The warmth of Spring is rolling in, and the outdoors and sunshine are calling people to go outside. It’s that time again; time for some outdoor grilling. About 7 out of every 10 US adults own a grill of some variety. However, alongside this popularity, there have been instances where mistakes have been made which have led to negative and unsafe outcomes. We’re here to tell you how to avoid those mistakes and minimize your risk when using a grill or smoker. Before we get into starting the grill, the first important aspect to consider is where the grill is placed. The main thing to look for is wood and other flammable materials that might be close enough to the grill to either heat up from its use or come into contact with large flames should there be a problem with gas concentration. There’s nothing wrong with putting a grill on a deck. However, you’ll want to keep the placement away from wooden railings, walls, and trees to negate the potential for a dangerous situation to get worse. Of course, heat and fire tend to rise, so make sure there is nothing above the grill either which is at risk of combusting or catching fire. Finally, make sure that your grill is on a stable surface and won’t tip over. The last thing we want is to knock over a grill. Once you have placed your grill in a safe spot, the next aspect to consider is the propane tank. Storing a propane tank is usually relatively low risk, but you should try to keep a propane tank as full as possible to maintain pressure and avoid water from leaking in and causing internal rusting. Hooking up a propane tank is relatively simple as well. First, place the propane tank around the base of your grill in a secure spot to where it can’t be easily bumped or knocked over. Next, you’ll take the gas hose, and twist the hose onto the propane cylinder nozzle located at the top of your standard tank. Make sure the hose is connected tightly, and you should be ready for the next step. The next important thing to check is the general condition of the grill. If this is your first time breaking the grill out for the season, it is advised to check under the lid for insects and animal structures like bird nests that may have popped up since the grill’s last use. Once you observe and clear potential hazards, you’ll next want to look at the lower section of the grill to the gas hose. Check for indents and breaks in the hose to prevent leaks. A great way to ensure that all leaks are accounted for is to actually coat the gas line and its two connecting points with a soapy or bubbly mixture. Once the line is covered, turn on the gas and look for bubbles to form. Should you find leaks from the connection points, turn off the gas and tighten up the connections. A broken hose will need to be repaired or replaced. You shouldn’t use your grill until it passes the leak test. After you ensure that your grill is functioning as intended, we can go into safely turning on the grill. The first step is to open the lid so that any excess propane can escape and new propane won’t build up before the grill is ignited. Once the lid is open, you can go ahead and open up the propane tank release valve and turn the knobs of the grill burner to an on state. Now, you can press the ignition button if you have one or light the grill with a flame if you don’t. Doing so will start the grill, and you’ll be ready to go. Shutting off the grill is just as easy and largely involves the opposite process of turning off the burner, turning off the gas, and closing the lid. . That about covers it for our grill safety guidelines. Grilling can be an excellent way to make the best of being outdoors and can undoubtedly cook some great tasting foods, but even seasoned grillers can make mistakes. The important thing to remember is to just be smart and follow the safety recommendations. This will get you the best experience and lifespan out of your grill while protecting people and property in the process. Happy grilling!