Do you love to cook dinner on your grill? There’s nothing quite like barbequing! Yet according to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 10,000 home fires nationwide each year are caused by grilling mishaps.

It’s so fun to share your grilling techniques may be superb, but do you know how to stay safe while preparing a barbecue dinner? Let’s brush up on some common barbecue safety measures:

Keep your grill clean. Dirty grills and greasy buildup contribute to nearly one-fifth of all grill-related structure fires. Please be sure to clean your grill after each use.

Protect your eyes. Use lighter fluid cautiously. Make sure your hands are clean and that you don’t accidentally touch your face or rub your eyes with it on your hands or fingers. If it does come in contact with your eyes, rinse with cool water right away for at least 15 minutes and then go to the nearest emergency room. Smoke or grease is another eye hazard to watch out for while grilling.

Keep your grill away from flammable objects and structures. Many grill-related fires are started by an object or structure being too close to the grill. Did you know that your grill should be at least 10 feet away from your house or any building? Never use a grill in a garage, covered porch, patio or carport.

Happy and safe grilling to you during this fun time of year!