It stands to reason that July is National Grilling Month. A lot of grills will be put into action this week for 4th of July and as summer marches on, it’s a good time to be grilling.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, seven out of every 10 adults in the country has a grill or a smoker. 

But accidents can happen, especially when flames and a fire are involved. According to the NFPA, fire departments went to an annual average of 10,200 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues from 2013-17. Of that total, 4,500 resulted in structure fires and an average of 10 deaths and 160 injuries per year.

With that in mind, there are tips from the NFPA to keep your outdoor grilling safe and enjoyable for all.

• Propane and charcoal barbecue grill should be used only outdoors.

• Place the grill well away from the house and deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.

• Keep your grill clean by removing grease and fat buildup from the grill and in trays below the grill.

• Never leave the grill unattended.

• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

• When using charcoal, a charcoal chimney starter allows you to start charcoal using newspaper as fuel.

• Use only charcoal starter fluid if you are using a starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Also, keep charcoal fluid away from children and away from heat sources.

• When you are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.

• If you are using a propane grill, check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. 

• If your grill has a gas leak and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. 

• If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. 

• If you smell gas when cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill. If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least five minutes before re-lighting it. 

We hope the summer and the grilling season are both enjoyable and safe for everyone and following these tips can help ensure that happens.