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The backyard barbecue is an American tradition enjoyed by many New Jersey residents. When outdoor chefs neglect to operate their grills properly, however, a pleasant evening outside can turn into tragedy. To make sure your cookouts are remembered for all the right reasons, the Insurance Council of New Jersey (ICNJ) urges people to be cautious when cooking outdoors this summer. Most gas grill accidents are caused when outdoor cooks hook up their propane tanks incorrectly or neglect to check for leaks. Natural gas, propane and charcoal lighter fluid are highly volatile and flammable. Tragic accidents and explosions can occur when these materials are not handled properly. An element of potential danger exists every time a traditional charcoal grill or gas grill is used. Following the manufacturer's instructions and using common sense can greatly reduce the risk of injury. Charcoal grills require caution when being lit. Only proper starting fluids should be used to ignite a charcoal grill - gasoline or kerosene should never be used. Also, adding starter fluid after the fire has been ignited is extremely hazardous as flames may jump out from the grill. Routinely cleaning ashes from the grill and inspecting for holes or loose fittings on the grill structure are also smart precautions. If possible, lighter fluids and "quick-start" charcoal should be stored outside, away from the home. Gas grills have gained popularity because they tend to cook more efficiently than charcoal grills. However, these grills require additional attention to safety. The inside of the grill as well as the cooking surface should be cleaned at least once each season. Spiders often make their homes inside the components, and their webs can block off gas intake and damage your grill. It is also wise to routinely check fittings and connections to make sure that they are properly tightened. Checking for leaks can be done by simply placing some liquid soap and water directly on the gas connections. If bubbles appear, there is a leak and the connections should be tightened. If using propane, use only a gas cylinder designed to store propane and allow only a reputable propane supplier to fill it. If filling a new cylinder, tell your supplier it is being filled for the first time, so air can be removed. Propane should be transported in an upright position and should not be left in the car for any longer than the drive home. The heat inside the car can result in excessive pressure in the cylinder which may cause pressure relief devices to engage. Extra propane tanks should always be stored outdoors in an upright position.
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