(HealthDay News) -- Gas and charcoal grills cause thousands of outdoor and structure fires each year. To prevent your grill from becoming a safety hazard, follow these suggestions from the Home Safety Council:
- Keep the area surrounding the grill free of children and pets until the grill has completely cooled.
- When the grill is in use, be sure it is at least three feet away from any structure or object -- including trees, shrubs or the house.
- When using a charcoal grill, only use lighter fluid designed for such grills.
- When using a gas grill, check the connections between the tank and the grill carefully before each use.
- Never check for gas leaks using a match.