As warmer weather approaches, it's time make sure your propane grill is safe for use.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are 600 propane grill fires each year. Beginning April 1, new safety devices are required on all new tanks. The goal is to reduce the number of incidents.
The CPSC also has these additional safety tips:
* Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.
* Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.
* Always keep propane gas containers upright.
* Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors.
* Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, 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.
* Make sure your spark ignitor is consistently generating a spark to create a flame and burn the propane gas. If the flame is not visible, the heavier-than-air propane gas may be escaping and could explode.
* Never bring the propane tank into the house.
