Warm weather means the increased use of both charcoal and propane fueled cooking grills. With over 57 percent of America's estimated 5,700 annual grill fires occurring between May and August, the United States Fire Administration (USFA) has begun a campaign to help prevent injury and property damage caused by outdoor grill fires. Over 3,800 people are injured each year as a result of charcoal and propane gas grill fires. 49 percent of residential grill fires occur between 5-8 pm and 32 percent of these fires occur on patios, terraces, screened-in porches, and courtyards. By following some of the tips listed below these numbers can be great reduced in years to come.

1. Grill Safety

Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.

Position the grill well away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic.

Keep children and pets from the grill area: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.

Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when cooking.

Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

2. Charcoal Grills

Purchase the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of children and away from heat sources.

Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.

3. Propane Grills

Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles.

If you determined your grill has a gas leak by smell or the soapy bubble test and there is no flame:

Turn off the propane tank and grill.

If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.

If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.

If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.

All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow of propane before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up. OPDs are easily identified by their triangular-shaped hand wheel.

Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers' instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.

Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.

Outdoor cooking is one of the highlights of the warm weather season and should be enjoyed by everyone. Don't let faulty or improperly placed equipment turn your good time into sad occasion. By using the tips listed above you can plan out a successful and delicious outdoor cooking event.

For more information on outdoor grill fires please click on the following link: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/statistics/v11i1.pdf