Health Tip: Grill Safety

(HealthDayNews) -- No matter how frequently you use your gas or charcoal grill, you still need to perform routine safety checks, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, you should:

• Check the tubes that lead to the burner for any blockage from insects or food grease.
• Check the grill hose for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks.
• Move the gas hose as far as possible from hot surfaces and dripping grease.
• Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.
• Check for gas leaks by following the manufacturer's instructions.
• If you find a problem, don't attempt to repair it yourself. Call a qualified repair person.

-- Felicity Stone