Barbecue Safety Tips

For me, few things are more fun than grilling up some amazing food on the BBQ with friends and family around to shoot the breeze. There are just some foods that taste their best when made on a barbecue grill. One important aspect of using your grill is BBQ safety, and while not complicated, is something that everybody should observe when using the barbecue!

One of the biggest safety concerns with using your barbeque is where you do your grilling. Almost any outdoor space is great for your BBQ, as long as you keep a few things in mind.

You should keep the BBQ away from things that can catch fire-- such as trees with overhanging branches, shrubs, flowers, and dry brush. It also shouldn't be in the path of a well trafficked area. The last thing you want is somebody accidentally walking into or brushing against the hot outer surface of your grill.

A good rule of thumb for a safe distance from flammable objects and the outer wall of your house is about 5 to 10 feet.  Make sure that your grill is properly level and stable. It never hurts to have a hose or some other water supply nearby in case of an emergency.

If you happen to be in an apartment complex that has a balcony or some other kind of door space, make sure that you check with your landlord regarding restrictions and laws regarding grilling on the property. It is often against the law to use a BBQ on an outdoor balcony or rooftop terrace in many cities. If this is the case, you may want to invest in a great electric grill to take care of all of your barbecuing needs.

When grilling, you should always be using proper BBQ utensils like long-handled spatulas, tongs, and a decent set of oven mitts if required. Long-sleeved shirts are not a great choice, either!

Never light a gas grill with the lid closed. It should always be open. Gasses can build up inside the closed area and explode if the time between turning the gas on and attempting to light the grill is too long. If you aren't able to get the barbecue lit the first few tries, the gas should be turned off and let to dissipate for a moment before you attempt to light it again.

If you're just pulling the grill out for the first use of the season, you should give it a general check-up. Make sure any hoses or pipes are secured properly where they should be. Also, it's a good idea to make sure that your propane tank is set upright and level. Being perfectly level isn't a big concern, but having the tank upright is important.

Luckily, with a bit of common sense and these tips thrown in, barbequing can be a rewarding and delicious experience! Enjoy the fruits (and meats) of your labor!