Picture this. Dad received a new grill for Father’s Day. There he stands in his apron and chef’s hat ready to plunk thick steaks on the grill for family and friends. In anticipation of the feast to come, relatives are bringing side dishes and drinks, kids are playing in the yard, and others are discussing the plans for summer. I hope most of you find time to enjoy a day like the one I just described. The Downers Grove Fire Department would like to contribute to your safe backyard cookouts by offering the following outdoor cooking safety tips.

General grill safety
Never use a gas or charcoal grill inside a house or apartmen. This act, aside from being a fire hazard, creates carbon monoxide. Place the grill on a level surface away from low-hanging trees, deck railings, siding or any combustible materials. Teach children and pets not to play near a hot grill.

Keep all grills away from any house, shed, fence, tree or any other combustible material, such as leaves or brush. Be aware of the wind and any blowing sparks. Do not use grills inside of a garage or under a porch or a roof. If it’s raining and you want that steak, use an umbrella. Gas and/or charcoal grills should never be used on fire escapes or balconies with overhangs.

To prevent burns, use long-handled barbecue tools and flame-retardant mitts, avoid wearing loose clothing and watch for dangling apron strings and shirttails. Remember that a clean grill is a safe grill.

Propane grill safety
Check and make sure all connections are tight before turning on the gas. Leaks can be detected by dabbing the connections with soapy water and turning on the gas momentarily. If bubbles occur, there is a leak, and it must be fixed before the grill is used.

Do not start a gas grill with the lid closed. The propane may accumulate inside, and when ignited, the lid could blow off.

Never use water to control grease flare-ups on gas barbecues.

Do not store any LPG tanks — full or empty — in the house or garage. 

Transporting cylinders
Never place a full propane tank in your car trunk. It’s like having dynamite in the car. Place tank in the rear seat, on the floor, and drive with the windows open for adequate ventilation. 

Charcoal grill safety
Although more gas grills are in use today, there are still those who prefer charcoal grills. Some important safety notes to be made in regard to the use of these grills follows:

Never use gasoline or kerosene to start the fire. After using starter fluid, cap the container and move it away form the fire. Never add any type of starter fluid once the coals are burning.

Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Charcoal briquettes give off the deadly gas carbon monoxide.

To stop flare-ups, move cooking grid up, and spread out coals.

Allow coals to burn out completely, and let ashes cool for 48 hours. If you must dispose of the ashes before fully cooled, cool them completely in water before putting them in a non-combustible container. Do not discard ashes in paper bags. To dispose of the ashes, wrap in foil and put them in an empty, non-combustible container.

Outdoor fireplaces
The open-burning ordinance can be found on the village of Downers Grove Web site, www.downers.us. Search for “Municipal Code,” then click on Chapter 13-35.

Fires must be conducted in an approved container, defined by the ordinance as “a commercially manufactured device specifically designed, intended, advertised and utilized for the purpose of recreational campfires, such as chimineas or outdoor fireplaces.” Such containers must be above ground and can never be built below grade. The only allowable fuels are charcoal briquettes, natural gas, propane, approved wood or commercially prepared seasoned wood chips.

The fire department reminds all residents to use outdoor fireplaces safely and with consideration for neighbors.

If you believe someone is acting irresponsibly and is in violation of the open-burning ordinance, contact the Downers Grove Police Department at (630) 434-5600. It is up to the responding officer to determine if the fire meets the requirements of the ordinance. If you have  questions about open burning, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (630) 434-5983.

Marsha Giesler is the public education officer for the Downers Grove Fire Department.