With warm weather upon us, and Memorial Day weekend approaching, the Mohegan Volunteer Fire Association will like everyone to enjoy the spring/summer hazard free. Did you know nationwide, each year there are about 600 fires/explosions that occur due to gas grills, causing injuries? Many of the accidents happen the first time a grill is ignited for the season or after the grill's gas container is refilled and reattached. Before you plan your next outdoor cookout, please review these safety tips:

Propane Grill Safety Tips:
-Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.

-Make sure your grill's propane tank has three-prong gas valve handle. As of April 1, 2002, the three-prong design replaces a five-prong handle as the safety standard.

-Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.

-Always keep propane gas containers upright.

-Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors.

-Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.

-Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk. Heat will cause the gas pressure to increase, which may open the relief valve and allow gas to escape.

-Make sure your spark igniter is consistently generating a spark to create a flame and burn the propane gas. If the flame is not visible, the heavier-than-air propane gas may be escaping and could cause an explosion.

-Never bring the propane tank into the house.

-When using barbecue grills on decks or patios, be sure to leave sufficient space from the house siding and eaves.

-Keep children and pets far away from grills.

Charcoal Grill Safety Tips:
-Keep in mind that charcoal when burned in grills produces carbon monoxide (CO). CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate to toxic levels in closed environments. Each year about 17 people die as a result of CO fumes from charcoal being burned indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. To reduce the risk of CO poisoning:

-Never burn charcoal inside of homes, vehicles, tents or campers.

-Charcoal should never be used indoors, even if ventilation is provided.

-Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store the grill indoors with freshly used coals.