The Do’s and Don'ts of Barbecue Safety

Learn how to barbecue safely with these important tips.

Share these barbecue safety tips with your friends and family.

Image Description: Image of charcoal barbecue with flames. Text: THE DO'S & DON'TS OF BARBEQUE SAFETY. Follow these important safety tips to protect your home and family when you BBQ.Image Description: Graphic of outdoor barbecue. Text: SET UP YOUR BBQ FOR SUCCESS. Set up your BBQ in an open space. Avoid placing your BBQ directly next to your home and keep it away from fire fuels like overhanging branches, nearby plants, and wooden structures.Image Description: Graphic of slab foundation. Text: Place your BBQ on firm ground such as a slab or concrete foundation.Image Description: Graphic of barbecue with open flames. Text: Remove excess grease from the grill before you BBQ to prevent flare-ups.Image Description: Graphic of fire extinguisher. Text: Keep a fire extinguisher close by and make sure you and your family know how to use it.Image Description: Graphic of unattended barbecue. Text: Never leave your grill unattended when in use. There should always be an adult present.Image Description: Graphic of barbecue on/off switch. Text: Know how to turn off your BBQ in an emergency.Image Description: Graphic of propane tank valve. Text: FOR GAS BBQ'S. Check that the fitting on your propane tank is snug and be aware of the smell of rotten eggs, which could indicate a gas leak.Image Description: Graphic of hand turning propane tank valve. Text: ​​Turn off your propane tank when you are not barbecuing.Image Description: Graphic of barbecue with open lid. Text: Open the lid of your BBQ before turning the gas on.Image Description: Image of 7 Saturdays host next to barbecue. Text: PRO TIP! Watch Episode 1 of 7 Saturdays to a More Fire Resistant Home to learn more about safe barbecuing and building defensible space.Image Description: Graphic of starter fluid pouring over hot coals. Text: FOR CHARCOAL BBQ'S 20L Never add starter fluid to hot coals or use gasoline or kerosene as starter fluids.Graphic of sealed starter fluid bottle. Text: Always seal your starter fluid and store it away from the BBQ.Graphic of hot coals. Text: Let your coals burn out and cool completely before disposing of the ashes.Graphic of aluminum foil. Text: Secure the cold ashes in aluminum foil before disposing of them in a non-combustible container.Text: Visit ready.gov for more safety tips.