By Christina Armand, Public Information Officer, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue

The official start of summer may still be a month away, but in South Florida, the temperate climate lets us enjoy summer weather year-round. One of the highlights of summer is gathering on a weekend afternoon for a barbecue.

Even though we enjoy outdoor cooking year-round in the “Sunshine State,” there are still some common hazards we must consider when using a barbecue grill. Here are some precautions to help keep your grilling safe:

For all type of grills:

• NEVER grill indoors or in an enclosed area. This may seem obvious, but an average of about 20 deaths per year occur as a result of indoor grilling.
• Make sure you use a level, stable surface, away from high-traffic areas and away from children and pets.
• Always grill in a well-lit, well-ventilated area, at least 10 feet away from combustible construction, including siding material and the eaves.
• Avoid grilling in covered porches or patios especially if the covering is wood, canvas or other flammable material. Hot air and flames rise, so nothing combustible should be located directly above the grill.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of fire.

For gas grills:

• Periodically inspect your grill. Check hoses for cracks, holes and leaks. Check burners for obstructions, and make sure the igniter is working.
• If your igniter does not successfully light your grill on the first attempt, shut it off and wait for the gas to clear before trying again.
• Always keep propane gas containers upright, and do not store spare gas containers under or near the grill.
• NEVER keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.

For charcoal grills:

• Charcoal grills produce Carbon Monoxide (CO), which is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to fatally toxic levels in enclosed areas.
• Always use charcoal grills in extremely well-ventilated areas, and NEVER use a charcoal or hibachi-type grill inside a house, tent or vehicle, even if ventilation is provided.
• Freshly used coals will continue to produce CO after the fire is extinguished, so leave the coals and grill outside until the coals are cool to the touch before bringing inside for storage.

Next time you fire up the grill, remember to never leave it unattended. By keeping watch on the grill you will avoid a potentially dangerous situation and enjoy a delicious meal.