5 grilling safety tips

Grilling with both gas and charcoal grills can be dangerous. Your hands can be easily injured by the flame or hot grates. Use these grilling safety tips to stay safe this season:

1. Use Gloves: When turning food or removing items from the grill, always use potholders or insulated gloves to protect your hands from the heat. The flame could flare up without notice. Gloves will also protect your hands from skewers.
2. Use Long Utensils: Use long utensils that are meant for grilling when placing food on the grill, turning it or removing it. Do not let your hand get too close to the flame.
3. Avoid High Winds: Do not grill while there are high winds. The winds can cause the flame to jump which may burn your hands or start clothing on fire.
4. Keep Your Distance: When measuring the temperature of the grill with your hand, keep your hand at a safe distance from the grates. Start by feeling the heat from a far distance and slowly bring your hand closer to the grill.
5. Don’t Use Matches: When lighting a grill, always use a long-handled lighter rather than matches. This will protect your hands from the flame. With charcoal, don’t use too much lighter fluid.

If you injure yourself while grilling, be sure to visit a hand surgeon. Read more about the four degrees of burns to determine if you need professional treatment.

Get more hand safety tips at www.HandCare.org.