Dos and Don’ts Around The Grill

Few things can match the fun and enjoyment of a barbecue with family and friends. Practice sensible, safe barbecuing and your summer get-together will be sizzling success!

Do…

• Remember to always turn the gas valve on first.
• Keep gas hoses away from hot surfaces and hot grease.
• Keep children away from the gas valve and the grill.
• Keep loose clothing away from the hot barbecue.
• When you finish, turn the valve off first to allow the gas in the hose to be burned off, then turn off the burner controls so no gas remains trapped in the hose.
• Allow your barbecue to cool completely before covering it.

Don’t…

• Leave the barbecue unattended when in use.
• Allow grease to build up. Clean the burners and grill regularly to minimize the risk of a serious grease fire.
• Put water on a grease fire. It will only cause the flames to flare.
• Barbecue in an enclosed space, such as a garage. For ventilation and safety reasons, move your barbecue into the open at least 10 feet away from windows and doors.
• Place your barbecue near wooden fences or walls, beneath a combustible roof overhead or even under a tree with low branches. Be extra careful about the area behind the BBQ where hot gases escape and could create a fire hazard.
• When shopping for a new barbecue, look for the CSA Blue Flame Mark which shows that the BBQ meets recognized Canadian safety standards.