When the weather gets warm, and it's time to pull the grill out of storage, it's difficult to think about anything except that first cookout; but before you sit down at your
picnic table to eat, there are some things that you must do to ensure a safe grilling season. Sure, we all want to get right to the fun part, and nobody wants to think depressing thoughts, but making sure that your grill is in top working order, and that you are using it safely, can prevent a lot more than bad thoughts.Whether you have a brand new grill, or an old one that has served you well for years, there are things to learn, things to check, things to tune up, and precautions to take. With a new grill, read the owner's manual, and follow all of the manufacturer's set-up and maintenance instructions and safety guidelines.A grill that has been in storage for the winter has probably been visited by many critters seeking shelter from the cold. Because these visitors can cause damage, and because the grill can fall into disrepair through disuse, examine it thoroughly before using it.On a gas grill, inspect the tubes leading into the burner for blockages that may have been caused by spiders, insects, or grease. If you find anything, use a pipe cleaner to push it through to the main part of the burner, where you can remove it. You can also use a wire to do this, but make sure that you do not damage the tube. Check the grill hoses to see that they have not become brittle, and that there are no cracks, holes, leaks, or sharp bends in them.It is also very important to inspect the gas cylinder for leaks. Although you may sometimes be able to smell gas escaping, this will not always be the case. The best way to check for leaks is to apply a light solution of soap and water to the hose, and look for bubbles caused by escaping gas. If there is a leak, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill, make sure that the leak stops, and have it serviced by a professional before you use it. If the leak doesn't stop, call the fire department. Likewise, if you begin to smell gas while you are cooking, get away from the grill, leaving it where it stands, and call the fire department.If your gas cylinder was manufactured after April 2002, it will have an overfill protection device (OPD) that will shut off the gas flow before it reaches capacity, which will decrease the potential for the release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up. You can identify the OPD by its triangular hand wheel.In future articles, we will have more safety tips for gas and charcoal grills. In the meantime, you can get ready for the fun part by finding the perfect picnic table. To do that, the only thing you need to know is AllPicnicTables.com.AllPicnicTables.com has one of the widest selections of picnic tables available anywhere. Besides decay-resistant cedar, pine, oak, cherry, and teak, you'll find everlasting aluminum, polywood, and vinyl picnic tables, available in tons of vibrant colors to complement any decor.To see the entire collection of picnic tables and outdoor furniture, visit
AllPicnicTables.com. If you wish to contact a design consultant or customer service professional, call 1-888-293-2339, or e-mail
contact@allpicnictables.com.
