Grilling

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.

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Well before grilling:

• Minimize use of grills – adds to air pollution
• Check your propane gas tank

If tank is 12 or more years old:

• Replace it
• Ensure propane gas tank has adequate amount of gas remaining

If you take the tank to be refueled:

• If your tank requires it, put a plug in it
• Don’t transport the tank in the trunk of your vehicle
• Place the tank on the floor in the back seat
• Marinate meat/poultry – to reduce the release of dangerous chemicals from meat/poultry during grilling which cause mutations in bacteria and may cause cancer
• Consider microwaving meat/poultry before putting it on the grill – to help prevent salmonella poisoning
• Check your grill’s condition
• Ensure grill parts are in good shape (e.g., not damaged by animals, insects, weather, etc)
• Have available:
  • Brush and scraper to clean grill
  • Lighter fluid designed to light charcoal (not gasoline, kerosene, etc.)
  • Charcoal
  • Matches
  • Separate dishes, plates, etc. for raw meat and food which is ready to be eaten
  • Extra long oven mitt(s)
  • Long-handled tongs
  • Long-handled spatula (flipper)

Right before lighting:

• Ensure you have lighter fluid which is designed to light charcoal
• Ensure the grill is at least 10 feet from structures
• Clean the grill with scraper, brush, etc.
• Avoid using newspaper to get fire started
• Roll up your sleeves
• Raise lid

Before lighting a match:

• Ensure you and/or other adults are prepared to monitor the grill continuously to ensure children and pets stay away
• Put lighter fluid on charcoal
• Close cap on lighter fluid container
• Put lighter fluid well away from grill

If charcoal doesn’t light initially:

• Never spray lighter fluid on smoldering charcoal
• Instead, add some kindling, tinder, paper, etc. and attempt to light with a match

If charcoal still won’t light:

• Let charcoal cool off and try later

After lighting:

• Put matches out of the reach of children
• Stay near the grill
• Ensure children and pets stay away
• Put on extra long oven mitt(s)
• Use long-handled utensils

While grilling:

• Once you’ve used a dish, etc. to hold raw meat (e.g., chicken, beef), don’t use it for food which is ready to be eaten
• Use medium heat – to help ensure meat/poultry is thoroughly cooked (to reduce risk of food poisoning) without burning it (to reduce risk of cancer)

After grilling:

• Turn off gas controls
• Turn off valve on gas tank
• Refill tank if necessary

If you’re going to store the tank:

• Put a plug in the outlet
• Don’t store tank indoors, e.g., garage

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