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Skills Base

Outdoor cooking safety

Charcoal disposal, grill placement, and CO risk. The safety rules for cooking outside during a power outage.

SKILL AREAFOOD AND COOKING
SKILLOUTDOOR COOKING
TYPEINFO PAGE
01 — PLACEMENT

Away from the house

Place grills, camp stoves, and any combustion cooking device at least 10 feet from the house, deck railings, and overhanging branches. NFPA data shows that grill fires involving structures often start when grills are placed too close to siding or under eaves.

Never use a charcoal grill, propane grill, or camp stove indoors or in a garage, even with the door open. Carbon monoxide from combustion is odorless and can reach lethal levels in enclosed spaces within minutes.

02 — CHARCOAL DISPOSAL

48 hours to cool

Hot charcoal can reignite for up to 48 hours. Douse used charcoal with water, stir to soak all coals, douse again, then place in a metal container away from structures. Do not dump hot charcoal in a trash can, plastic bag, or on dry ground.

03 — PROPANE

Leak testing and storage

Check propane connections with soapy water (bubble test) before each use and after any tank change. Store propane tanks upright, outdoors, away from ignition sources. Never store propane indoors or in a vehicle trunk.

QUICK REFERENCE
  • Grill at least 10 feet from the house
  • Never grill indoors or in a garage, even with door open
  • Charcoal stays hot for 48 hours. Douse with water before disposal
  • Check propane connections with soapy water before use
  • Store propane upright, outdoors, away from ignition sources
SOURCES
  1. Grilling Safety — NFPA grill placement and charcoal disposal guidance.