Spire offers grill safety tips to make Fourth of July celebrations safer  

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- As families get ready to celebrate the Fourth of July, many will be firing up the grill for hot dogs and burgers.  

Before getting the cooking started, though, it's worth taking a few minutes to make sure your grill is safe to use. 

Christy Meers with Spire's Residential Business Development said it's been a busy year, and if your grill has been sitting unused for months, start with a quick inspection. 

“Make sure no birds have built a nest because you don’t want any surprises, and also start with cleaning your grill,” she said.  

Before lighting it up for the first time this season, place the grill on a solid, level surface and keep it away from your home, other structures and areas where children or pets are playing. 

When it comes to cleaning, Meers said traditional wire grill brushes are no longer the best option because the bristles can break off and end up in your food.  

“We don’t want any choking hazards, so personally I like something that I already have around the house, which is foil,” she added.  

Simply ball up a piece of aluminum foil, grab it with a pair of tongs, and use it to scrub the grates. An onion is another option that can help clean the grill while adding a little extra flavor for onion lovers. 

Once the grill is going, Meers said it's important to be prepared in case of a flare-up.  

“I do keep a fire extinguisher handy, but they have those new fire extinguisher which comes in a can about the size of hair spray, which you can get in your local hardware store,” Meers said.   

If a flare-up happens, she recommended turning off the fuel source if it's safe to do so, knowing where the grill's valve is located, and closing the lid to help smother the flames.  

“It is important that your grill is not near your home,” she said.

She said it's easy to get distracted when family and friends are over, but that's often when accidents happen. 

Meers also pointed out how critical it is to remember to never leave the grill unattended.