Grill Smart: Watch What You Heat Kids and Adults Start the Summer Right with Grill Safety

April 2016 (Epsom, NH) – Planning to grill tonight, or sometime soon? Now that it
has finally started to warm up, many New Englanders are already enjoying their
barbecues and other outdoor amenities. And while gas grills, portable fire pits, and
patio heaters make outdoor spaces comfortable places to gather… it’s important that
they are used properly.

Before bringing out portable appliances and firing up the propane grill, the Propane
Gas Association of New England (PGANE) offers the following tips to help homeowners
get the most from their outdoor appliances safely:

1. Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions. Whether it’s assembly, use, maintenance,
cleaning, or storage, make your grill manufacturer’s instructions your go-to
resource for safe grilling.

2. Position the Grill in a Safe Location. Keep your grill outdoors and at least five
feet from the house on a level surface that is clear of outdoor furniture, overhead
trees, or other potential fire hazards.

3. Check for Leaks. Use a soapy water solution to check connections for leaks.
Expanding bubbles indicate a leak. Follow this procedure at the start of each season
and every time you replace a cylinder.

4. Follow Proper Lighting Procedures. Follow the manufacturer’s lighting
instructions. With all grill models, keep the lid open and don’t lean over the grill
when lighting it.

5. Follow Proper Relighting Procedures. If your flame goes out, turn off the gas and
refer to your owner’s manual. At a minimum, with all grill models, keep the lid open
and wait at least 15 minutes before relighting.

6. Be Present. Stay close and never leave your grill unattended.

Safety for Kids – The grilling area should also be designated as a “No Play Zone,”
keeping kids and pets away from the equipment. To help kids learn about gas grill
safety, the Propane Education & Research Council has launched the fun interactive
website www.propanekids.com.

For more information on using outdoor living spaces safely, visit www.pgane.org and
www.propanecomfort.com.

About the Propane Gas Association of New England:
The Propane Gas Association of New England serves more than 700 members of the
propane industry by promoting safety, education, and public awareness of the uses of
propane.