Here are some grilling tips courtesy of Allstate Insurance:

. Make sure your barbecue grill is on a level surface far enough away from
homes, furniture, children and pets
. Check to see grill legs are sturdy and avoid grilling on a combustible
surface such as a wooden deck
. Position your grill so sparks and smoke won't fly towards people,
furniture or buildings
. Avoid grilling in a confined space and if possible, don't grill on
balconies and decks of apartments and condominiums
. Protect your hands and body by using potholder-type gloves and a heavy
apron when over the grill
. Keep lighted cigarettes, matches and open flames away from your grill
. Clean your grill after every use to avoid grease buildup at the bottom

For Charcoal Grills:
. Never allow burned coals to smolder in any container on a wooden deck and
make sure to douse coals with water before they're disposed
. Do not discard used briquettes in a cardboard carton or any other
combustible container
. Avoid using gasoline, kerosene, alcohol or a cigarette lighter to ignite a
fire
. Do not add more starter fluid to an existing fire
. Only use enough charcoal to last for the amount of time it's needed
. Make sure the ash catcher is properly attached when using a kettle grill
. In the event of bad weather while grilling, do not move a grill indoors;
hot charcoal can build up lethal levels of carbon monoxide.

For Gas Grills:
. Always store gas tanks in an upright position outside and away from your
home or garage and out of the reach of children and pets
. Check to see tank valves are turned off when not in use
. To see if there may be a leak in a tube or connection, pour soapy water
over it with the valve turned open - bubbles will appear if there is a leak.
Should there be a leak, shut off the gas immediately and do not use the
grill until it is repaired

And for all types of grilling, never leave your grill unattended when in
use. 

(Mollee Francisco is a staff writer for the Chaska Herald. She can be reached at mfrancisco@swpub.com.)