Know your grill safety!
Enjoy an outdoor barbecue with friends and family this Fourth of July, but be prepared for emergencies.
Each year Fire Departments respond to an estimated 6,500 grill fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. More than 70 percent of grill fires occur in residential areas, so check the National Fire Protection Association's web site, , for smart fire safety tips. Then read some more useful tips and brush up on your grilling knowledge below. Read "Grab the tongs -- it's grill time!" on p. 127 of the June issue of ALL YOU magazine for three great, inexpensive grills.
Pick the right area. Position your grill in an open area away from your house, garage, balcony and trees.
Protect your children. Create a "no-go" area at least three feet around the grill and don'ÃÂÃÂt let children approach it.
Tend to your grill at all times. If you have to step away, assign another adult to check on your food.
Keep extinguishers nearby. Have a fire extinguisher, a garden hose and a bucket of sand close at hand in case a fire gets out of control.