The information for the following post comes from the Propane Education and Research Council.

As summer has approached, grilling season has followed. People nationwide are busting out their grills for burgers, hotdogs and more– and what’s a grill without propane?

So before you get to grilling, check out these tips to ensure your safety and that of others: 

• Position the grill in a safe location: Keep your grill outdoors and at least five feet from the house on a level surface that is clear of outdoor furniture, overhead trees, or other potential fire hazards. 
• Check for leaks: Use a soapy water solution to check connections for leaks. Expanding bubbles indicate a leak. Follow this procedure every time you replace a cylinder. 
• Follow proper lighting procedures: Follow the manufacturer’s lighting instructions, and with all grill models, keep the lid open and don’t lean over the grill when lighting it. 
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Whether it’s assembly, use, maintenance, cleaning or storage, make your grill manufacturer’s instructions your go-to resource for safe grilling. 
• Be present: Stay close and never leave your grill unattended. 
• Follow proper relighting procedures: If your flame goes out, turn off the gas and refer to your owner’s manual. At a minimum, with all grill models, keep the lid open and wait at least 15 minutes before relighting. 

The importance of safety does not solely lie in the grill but in the handling of the propane cylinders themselves. When transporting your cylinder, always store it in a secure and upright position so it cannot fall or roll. If you’re transporting it in your vehicle, don’t leave the cylinder in the hot vehicle for too long. Instead, take it straight to your destination and remove it from your car upon arrival. 

Connecting the cylinder can be made simple by following the manufacturer’s instructions and checking for leaks as you go. 

As far as storage goes, keep the cylinder outside– never in an enclosed area– and away from heat, especially not under or near a grill. 

Following these tips will leave you with great barbeque, but it’ll also keep you informed and aware of your propane use and safety. Happy grilling!