The 4th of July is the most popular outdoor cooking holiday of the year.  It is also an very busy time for emergency rooms and burn units.

Make sure that you are ready to safely celebrate and cook up your summer feast.

Using a Gas Grill?

Make Sure Your Tank is Ready:

- A damaged tank - consumers should not try to repair damaged tanks.
- Obsolete tanks - tanks with round- or star-shaped handwheels do not contain Overfill Prevention Devices (OPD) and can no longer be filled.
- Empty tanks - You can get a fresh, ready to grill tank that includes an OPD.

Transport Your Tank Safely - After you buy your tank, secure it upright in a well-ventilated area of your vehicle. This means no rolling it around in the back of your pickup, until you need it for something. Take it directly to the place you will use it and leave it there.

Check for Leaks - When attaching your tank to the grill, use soapy water to check the tank and valve for leaks. Open the valve but leave the appliance off while testing. Don’t use a match or open flame to check for leaks.

Lighting Your Grill - Before lighting, always refer to the grill manufacturer’s safety and operating instructions. This is actually the most dangerous step and many a severe burn has occured in using materials that should not be used to light a fire.  Charcoal especially will take time - plan ahead and skip the gasoline.

Tank Storage - When you store a tank, be sure to keep it in an upright, vertical position. Never store tanks in a garage, building, or enclosed area. Never store an extra tank under your grill.

photo - FLICKR

Kathleen Lordbock

Keller Williams Realty Brainerd Lakes

218-829-0339]

licensed in MN

                                            ~Not your ordinary REALTOR, not your ordinary results~