9 Things You Should Never Do When Grilling

There's no denying that grilling and cookouts are a big part of warm-weather cooking and eating; there are few summertime foods as satisfying as a juicy, charbroiled burger or a perfectly grilled chicken kebab. Even fruits and vegetables taste better with a few grill marks on them! But grilling can be a hassle if you don't know the basics. And even if you grill often, you may be making some of the most common (and avoidable) grilling mistakes.

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It's also important to acknowledge that grilling can be dangerous. Thousands of grilling-related fires and injuries are reported every year. Fires and injuries are easily avoidable; keep yourself (and your family and friends) safe by following these safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association.

Keep Your Grill Away From Your House
Make sure you keep your grill on a level surface a safe distance from your home (including your porch or deck) and away from any trees or overhanging branches. As a general rule, you should be five feet or more from anything that could catch fire.

Give Your Grill a Once Over
It's a good idea to make sure your grill is in good working order before the start of grilling season. If you have a gas grill, check for any leaks and then (regardless of what type of grill you use) give your grill a good, deep cleaning. Bits of char or leftover food that have built up and stuck to the grates can contribute to flare-ups.

Keep Kids and Pets Away From the Grill
It may sound obvious, but children and pets can easily be injured by the grill. Make sure both remain a safe distance away, and be sure you never leave your grill unattended.

Then, once you're ready to start grilling safely, make sure you know — and avoid — these nine common grilling mistakes.