Worst-Case Wednesday: Avoid a Grillmergency

Happy Independence Day!

Along with parades and fireworks, grilling up delicious food is practically a requirement for proper celebration of the 4th.

Worst Case Wednesday is all about keeping you disaster-free, so here’s a few tips from The Worst Case Scenario Almanac: Great Outdoors to make sure the only thing cooking today is your burger.

Grill on level ground at least 10 feet away from buildings, trees, or brush: Do not grill on a balcony, terrace, roof, or any structure that can catch fire.

Wear safe clothing: Avoid untucked shirt tails, loose sleeves, and aprons with long strings. Use flame-retardant grilling mitts to protect hands and arms.

Never use a charcoal or gas grill in an enclosed area: Even with a window open or a fan ventilating the area, carbon monoxide produced by burning charcoal or gas can collect indoors and kill you.

Do not add starter fluid to an existing fire: The flame may attach to the liquid as you squirt it on, forming an arc of fire back to the bottle in your hands.

Open the lid before lighting a propane grill: Gas can accumulate inside the grill and explode upon ignition.

Check for gas leaks: At least once a season and every time you replace the gas tank, mix 2 tablespoons of dishwashing detergent with two tablespoons of water, open the gas valve, and brush the solution on all valve connections, tubing connections, and the welds on the tank. Look for growing bubbles at each location. If you find a leak, shut the valve or remove the gas tank and refrain from using the grill until it has been repaired. Do not light the burners while performing a leak test.