Summertime is grillin’ time!

What better way to kick off the summer grill season than with National BBQ Month in May? Did you know that the Barbecue Council founded National BBQ Month in 1963 as a way to encourage outdoor cooking? Since then, grilling and barbecuing have become a national pastime and a popular source of individual and team competition.

If you’re ready to pull your gas grill out of winter storage, here are a few important safety steps to follow at the beginning of cookout season:

Prepping Your Grill

1. Clean: Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clean burner ports to ensure they are free of rust, dirt, spider webs, or other debris.
2. Check Connections: Examine the hose leading from the tank to the burners. Replace if cracked or damaged.
3. Test for Leaks: Find leaks by applying a 50/50 water and dish soap solution to propane cylinder connections and hoses. If bubbles appear, tighten the connection and/or replace the damaged parts and retest. Never use matches or lighters to check for leaks. If you have concerns about a leak, contact a qualified service technician.

Igniting Your Gas Grill:

1. Open the lid.
2. Open the propane cylinder service valve.
3. Turn on grill/burner valves or heat settings.
4. Take a step back.
5. Push the igniter button. If there is no igniter button, insert a long match or barbecue lighter through the side burner hole first, then turn on the heat control knob.
6. If the burner does not ignite immediately, turn the propane off and wait five minutes, keeping the lid open, before repeating the procedure.

While grilling:

1. Do not leave the grill unattended or allow grease to build up on the burners or at the grill base.
2. Do not throw water on a grease fire, as this will spread the flames, and do not use lighter fluid or accelerants on the grill.
3. Do not store or place spare cylinders near or beneath the grill or other sources of ignition or heat.
4. Do not store or use grills on a balcony unless authorized.
5. Keep children and pets away from the barbecue.
6. Place the grill away from wooden fences or walls.
7. Ensure the area around your grill is free from combustible materials.
8. Follow the safe practices to turn on and turn off your grill (above).

After the Food is Cooked:

1. Turn the valve off first, then turn off the burner controls so no propane is left in the connecting hose.
2. Allow the barbecue to cool completely before closing the lid or covering.

Remember, grills are for outdoor use only. They emit carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that is dangerous in enclosed spaces. Therefore, never barbecue in a garage, tent, or other enclosed space.

Have a safe (and tasty) grilling season! For more information about our residential service, contact us. You’ll also find more information about propane grills and grilling at propane.com.