The Perry Volunteer Fire Department wants to make sure everyone is using their best practices when grilling this holiday weekend. 

Fire Chief Grason Hill reminds everyone that gas and charcoal grills are only to be operated outside and never used under any certain types of cover or placed close to a home. Hill says that a grill should be placed on a level surface and a gas grill should be checked for any leaks. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio that when a person starts a grill they should never leave it unattended.

“You should never ever light a grill and walk away from it because you just never know whether you have any children or grandchildren around that could possibly come up and get close to it and get burnt. Or maybe you have a dog out playing with grandkids or kids and the dog runs into the grill. Grill(s) should always be attended at all times because they do flare up without you realizing it. Next thing you know, you could come back out, you got this grill on fire, which could in turn lead to a further thing of maybe your house or garage on fire.”

Hill recommends when  grilling wear appropriate clothing and nothing that is loose fitting. He adds to always keep a spray bottle with water and fire extinguisher close by incase of an emergency.