The Grill Drill

By 1ST LT. ERIK JOHNSON, 304th Transportation Company, U.S. Army Reserve, Chicopee, Mass.July 1, 2011

Secure the Grill

The first thing you will need to do is to check your grill for wildlife. Birds, bees, wasps and other critters have been known to make their homes inside grills. Should you be so unlucky as to find an unauthorized inhabitant in your grill, call a local “critter gitter” for assistance in removing it.

With a propane grill, however, nesting animals are but one concern. A more pressing issue is the connection between the gas hose and gas tank. Make certain there isn’t a gas leak by brushing soapy water over all hoses and connections. If any bubbles form, you have a leak and will need to make repairs before using the grill.

Once you have thoroughly inspected the grill and cleaned the cooking grates, place it in a location at least 10 feet away from your house, to include shrubs and bushes. This reduces the level of fire hazard.

Secure the Kids (and Pets)

Children and fire do not mix, so designate 3-foot area around the grill as a “kid-free zone.” It’s also a good idea to have a responsible adult charged with keeping kids away from the grilling area, or not allowing them in the area of the yard where the grill is being used. And don’t forget the pets. Large, frisky dogs are never safe near an active grill, so keep them leashed.

Secure Yourself

Dress appropriately every time you operate your grill. Never wear long sleeves that hang loose around your wrists. This poses a potential burn hazard, as a sleeve could catch fire. By the same token, use long-handled barbecue tools such as a fork and spatula as well as flame-resistant oven mitts. And while flip-flops or sandals are the official footwear of summer, it’s a good idea to wear closed-toed shoes whenever you grill. Nothing will ruin a cookout quicker than a white-hot coal or errant burger landing on your foot.

Lose the Stupid

Although most backyard chefs have probably done it in the past, we should never douse flaming charcoal briquettes with starter fluid. Indeed, doing so creates a fire that would make any arsonist proud, but it is extremely dangerous. Sure, it takes food a while to cook over hot coals, but that’s the charm of charcoal grilling. Dumping a few ounces of lighter fluid to “boost” the heat is like asking for a burn injury. If you don’t have the patience to cook on a charcoal grill, maybe it’s time to invest in a propane model, which can significantly cut your barbecuing time.

Keep Your Post

Consider your general order to be “I will not leave my post until properly relieved.” Never leave an active grill unattended. If you need a bathroom break, call for help. Also, while you’re “on duty” at the grill, keep either a fire extinguisher nearby. Think of them as your weapons and use them as such against any fire accident.

Conclusion

Grilling safety is serious business " especially when we consider the dangerous combination of open flames and careless children. Have fun this summer, but be safe. Remember, you can now say with confidence, “I know ‘The Grill Drill.’”