Everyone loves a cookout and barbeque. However, cookouts can lead to tragedy if they are not properly planned. Outdoor chefs can minimize the risk of fire or injury by following some simple but practical safety tips:

• Never use gasoline to start a charcoal fire.
• Use charcoal lighter fluid safely and prudently. Adding more fluid on hot coals may ignite the stream of fuel and burn back into the can, causing it to explode.
• Consider using a U.L. approved electrical starter in place of lighter fluid.
• Place grills away from structures and combustibles (minimum 15 feet) so they will not tip over or ignite objects above them. One of the biggest dangers with grills is trying to use them on apartment or condominium balconies. This practice is unsafe and against the law.
• Never bring a grill into the home. The carbon monoxide produced by burning charcoal is dangerous, and deadly.
• Keep a garden hose or a portable fire extinguisher handy in case of fire in the grill gets out of control. Call 911 immediately.
• Keep children and pets away from fires and grills. It only takes a second for curiosity to cause a serious burn.
• Though coals may appear to be cool, always soak them with water. Coals retain enough heat to reignite for days after a fire.
• If your bag of charcoal gets wet, leave it in a well ventilated area away from the house. During the drying process spontaneous ignition can occur in confined areas.

With a little planning on everyone's part, this can be a safe summer cookout season for everyone.