According to the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), 84 percent of gas grill owners say it is important to follow basic safe grilling tips when using a gas grill, yet only one in three (35 percent) say they know a great deal about them. A separate PERC survey also found that less than 10 percent of American adults chose grilling-related risks or accidents as the top two common summertime risks that concern them,even as the typical grill owner cooks outdoors 22 times during the barbecue season. To help the 74 million U.S. “barbecue households” enjoy a safe and healthy summer season, the propane industry is releasing its Top Ten Tips on grilling safely with propane gas:

1. When the cylinder is refilled, have the supplier check for dents, damage, rust or leaks.
2. After filling or exchanging, take the cylinder home immediately. Keep the vehicle ventilated and the cylinder valve closed and capped.
3. Always use or store cylinders outdoors in an upright (vertical) position. Do not use, store, or transport cylinders near high temperatures (this includes storing spare cylinders near the grill).
4. Never leave the grill unattended. Always follow grill manufacturer’s instructions on lighting the grill and make sure the grill top is open when attempting to light the grill.
5. Before connecting the cylinder to a propane gas grill burner for the first time, use a leak-detection solution (a 50/50 mixture of water and liquid soap) to check connections for tightness. Do not use matches or lighters to check for leaks.
6. If you suspect a gas leak, and are able to safely turn off the gas supply valve, do so immediately and call the fire department.
7. Do not allow children to tamper or play with the cylinder or grill.
8. Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder.
9. Never pour an accelerant such as lighter fluid or gasoline on the grill.
10. When not in use, grill burner controls should be turned off and cylinder valve closed.

Americans love to grill, this is the perfect opportunity to get into the habit of performing these safety procedures so that every barbecue or cookout can be fun and safe.

Steven Raichlen, host of Barbecue University on PBS and author of The Barbecue Bible, is partnering with the propane industry to promote safety while grilling. “Americans love the bold flavors, ease, speed, and entertainment aspects of grilling, all of which continue to drive sales of outdoor grills.” said Raichlen. “Given the large numbers of grillers in this country, it is imperative that safe grilling tips are made available and, more importantly, followed.”

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