Polk Township Vol. Fire Dept.
Gas Grill Safety
With the passsing of Memorial Day Weekend, the official grilling season has begun. Please start the gas grilling season off right. Remember, your grill has probably been sitting in the garage or outside for the long winter months. Take the time to follow these few simple, quick safety checks for a safe and satisfying start to those delectable burgers, hotdogs, chicken, steaks, brauts, kabobs and ... Sorry, I got carried away. But first...
Let's Review the Propane Facts
Propane (LP) is a liquid stored under pressure in tanks and cylinders. Propane is vaporized to a gas before it leaves the tank or cylinder and is dispensed through a pressure regulator to the grill. In it's natural state, Propane is an odorless, colorless gas. A chemical odorant is added to the Propane to give it a distinct smell for detection. Propane is heavier than air, therefore a leak may collect initially at lower levels.
The Dangers
Many of the fires and explosions involving gas grills occur when the grill is used for the first time since being 'put away' or just after refilling and reattaching the LP tank.
Quick checklist
Check tubes that lead to the burner for blockage from insects, spiders or grease.
Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear any blockage all the way through to the burner.
If necessary, replace your burner.
Check grill hoses for cracking, holes or brittleness. REPLACE if needed!
Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose.
Keep hoses away from the hot surfaces. Install heat shields if they can't be moved.
Replace scratched or nicked connectors that could cause a gas leak.
Clean out any remains for last seasons grilling.
Check for gas leaks if you smell gas or hear a leak. Here's how.
Keep lighted cigarettes, matches or open flames away from a leaking grill.
NEVER use a grill indoors!
Use grill at least 10 feet away from house.
DON'T use grill in garage, breeezeway, carport, porch or under a surface that could catch fire.
ALWAYS follow the manufacturer's instructions that came with your grill!
Care of Propane tanks
Never attempt to repair a leaky or defective LP tank. Return it to a Propane dealer.
Always keep tanks upright.
Keep spare tanks away from your grill.
When transporting, keep tank secured and upright.
Never keep a filled tank in a hot car or trunk: gas pressure rises -- relief valve opens -- causes a gas leak.
Enjoy your grilling, safely
Please make your first grilling experience a tasty not a tragic one. Follow these simple safety guidelines before you 'light up'. Then you can rest assured, sit back and enjoy your grilled masterpieces.
...burgers, hotdogs, chicken, steaks, brauts, kabobs and ...
...can almost smell that wonderful aroma...
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John D. Einhorn