May is National BBQ Month

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Did you know that May is National BBQ Month? It makes sense, as Memorial Day is the unofficial start not only to summer, but grilling season. And with Memorial Day just a few short weeks away, many of us are getting our grills ready for all the food we’ll soon be having!

With that in mind, we want to remind everyone that when it comes to grilling out, safety is always the top priority. Here are some important tips to keep in mind so you can get the most enjoyment possible from your gas grill and outdoor living opportunities on your deck.

Safe Propane Grilling Habits

  • Clean your propane grill regularly. Leftover grease is the most common cause of grill fires, causing nearly one in five reported incidents.
  • Have a fire extinguisher on hand and check it to make sure it’s in good, working order.
  • Keep a clear space around your grill, at least five feet from the house, outdoor furniture, trees, bushes and anything else.
  • Once you start your grill, never leave it unattended.
  • Keep children at least five feet away from the grill at all times
  • Don’t use your grill if the starter is broken. Consider buying a grill with an automatic starter.
  • Make sure the grill is on a flat, level surface to minimize the risk of tipping.
  • Food with lots of fat can cause flare-ups. Use long-handled utensils for grilling and keep grilling gloves or mitts on-hand.
  • NEVER use your propane grill indoors or in an enclosed area like a garage or carport. Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas that can be deadly, can build up in these spaces.

Whether you’re using your propane grill for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, you have to always put propane safety first and foremost. Whether you enjoy propane grill in Tully, or you cook out in Chittenango, or anywhere else in Central New York, here’s to a fantastic spring and summer grilling season in Central New York.