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Nice weather usually leads to fun in the sun and an itch to fire up the grill. Without a doubt, the smell of burgers and hotdogs grilling can be intoxicating for some; however, Ft. Myers personal injury attorney Randall Spivey and his team want you and your family to enjoy the food and keep the cookout as safe as possible.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of almost 9,000 house fires occur due to grilling each year, and just about half of the injuries incurred due to grilling are thermal burns. That being the case, there are several tips that grillers should keep in mind as they prepare for their next barbecue.

What You Need to Know
It may seem obvious to most people, but just to be clear -- never use a charcoal or gas grill indoors. The fumes that come from grills can kill you. Additionally, always place your grill on a level outdoor surface and ensure that it is sufficiently away from anything that could be ignited, such as fences and bushes.

Grillers are also encouraged to maintain their grills regularly, making sure they are clean and in good working condition.

Tips for Individuals with Gas Grills
The NFPA suggests that gas grill users examine their grill’s hoses each year for leaks prior to using the grill. There is an easy way to check for leaks. The Association notes that grill owners can apply a soap and water solution to the hose, and if a leak is present, it will be made evident by the presence of bubbles.

Further, if you smell gas while cooking your food, you should contact the fire department right away and move away from the grill, ensuring not to move it.
Propane tanks can be dangerous. That said, you should ensure your tank is always stored in an upright position outside. Never keep a filled tank inside of a hot automobile.

Tips for Those with Charcoal Grills
Some individuals with charcoal grills prefer to use coals that have already been infused with lighter fluid or some other lighting agents that make for easy lighting. However, for those who choose to use lighter fluid to light their coals, you should make certain that the coals are not hot when applying the fluid. Using lighter fluid on hot coals could cause a flame to travel up the stream of lighter fluid, leading to burns.

The NFPA also advises charcoal users to be sure to use an appropriate lighting agent to light their coals. Never use kerosene or gas to light charcoal. Users are also encouraged to wear flame-resistant mitts and use long-handled utensils when cooking. Coals often reach temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees.

Finally, when disposing of charcoal, it is important to let the ashes cool for a period of at least 48 hours prior to disposal. If you are unable to wait 48 hours, you should carefully put the coals and ashes in a bucket of water or can of sand.
If you have sustained injuries from a grill fire or other grilling incident, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. today.