Keep barbeques a safe distance away from your home, deck, eavestroughs, and overhanging branches. Make sure children stay at least one metre away to avoid serious accidents and burns, and, after grilling, remove grease or fat buildup from the grill top and catch trays below.
When using propane grills, check the gas tank hose for leaks annually. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose and watch for bubbles. If you spot a leak, either by smell or the soapy bubble test, turn off both the gas tank and the grill. If that stops the leak, have the grill professionally serviced before using it again. If the leak doesn’t stop, call 911.
If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call 911. Don’t move the grill if the flame goes out. Turn the grill and gas off and wait at least five minutes before re-lighting.
When using charcoal grills, prep the charcoal with a charcoal chimney starter and newspaper, or a charcoal-specific starter fluid. Never add starter fluid or any other flammable liquids to charcoal once lit. Safely store charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources – it is both flammable and poisonous. If you use an electric charcoal starter, use an extension cord. Once you’re finished grilling, make sure the coals are completely cool and dispose of them in a metal container.
Finally, in case of emergency, call 911. For more fire safety tips, visit calgary.ca/csps/fire/safety-tips/safety-tips-home/safety-tips-in-the-home.
