Grilling safety 101: how to avoid burns, flare-ups, and foodborne illness.
Nothing beats the smell of burgers sizzling on the grill during summer. But every year, thousands of people end up in urgent care because of grilling accidents that could have been avoided with some simple grilling safety.
According to Consumer Product Safety Commission data, grilling injuries have increased 18% over the past decade, with nearly 210,000 people treated in emergency departments for grill-related injuries between 2012 and 2021.
You might think you've got grilling figured out. But even experienced cooks make mistakes. Maybe you've been lucky so far, or maybe you've had a close call that made you more careful. Either way, knowing how to grill safely means you can focus on enjoying your food instead of worrying about getting hurt.
From setup to cleanup, there are simple steps that make a huge difference in preventing accidents.
Let's walk through the most common grilling dangers and how to handle your grill safely so you can focus on what really matters: good food and good times.
Common grilling accidents and how to prevent them.
Burns.
Grill burns are the biggest threat and happen more often than you'd think.
Hot grill grates, flare-ups, and even steam from lifting the lid can cause serious burns. The metal parts of your grill stay dangerously hot long after you've finished cooking, and many people forget this.
Keep a safe distance when opening the lid. Steam burns can be just as painful as direct flame burns.
Always open the lid away from your face and body. Use long-handled tools instead of reaching over the grill, and never try to move a hot grill. Wait at least an hour after cooking before attempting to clean or store your equipment.
Flare-ups.
Flare-ups can get out of control fast.
Grease dripping onto hot coals or burners causes those sudden bursts of flame if you're not ready. While small flare-ups are normal, big ones can be dangerous.
Trim excess fat from meat before grilling, and keep a spray bottle of water handy for charcoal grills. For gas grills, turn off the burners and close the lid if flames get too high. Never use water on a gas grill flare-up, since it can damage the grill and spread grease around.
Food poisoning.
Raw meat carries bacteria (like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter) that can make you seriously sick if you don't handle it properly. Cross-contamination happens easily when you use the same plate or utensils for raw and cooked meat.
Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat, and wash your hands frequently. Don't put cooked food back on the same plate that held raw meat unless you've washed it first. This seems obvious, but it's easy to forget when you're juggling multiple dishes.
Gas leaks and equipment failures.
Gas grills can develop leaks in the lines or connections, creating fire hazards. Before each grilling season, check all connections with soapy water (bubbles indicate a leak).
If you smell gas, turn everything off immediately and don't light the grill until you've fixed the problem.
Grilling safety tips for a fun, burn-free summer.
Set up your grill in the right spot.
Location matters more than most people realize.
Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house, deck railings, and overhanging branches. Never grill inside a garage or enclosed area, even with the door open. Carbon monoxide poisoning is real and deadly.
Make sure your grill sits on level ground where it won't tip over. Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area. Establish a "safety zone" around the grill that only the cook enters.
Have the right tools and supplies ready.
Long-handled utensils keep your hands and arms away from the heat. A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of food safety: chicken should reach 165°F, ground beef 160°F, and whole cuts of beef, pork, and lamb at least 145°F.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, but know that water works fine for most charcoal grill issues. Baking soda can help smother grease fires if you don't have an extinguisher handy.
Practice good food handling.
Poor food handling can lead to stomach bugs that can ruin your summer plans.
Marinate meat in the refrigerator, not on the counter. If you want to use marinade as a sauce, either boil it first or set some aside before adding raw meat.
Don't partially cook meat and finish it later. Bacteria can multiply in the "danger zone" between 40°F and 140°F.
Cook meat to proper temperatures and don't rely on color alone to determine doneness. A digital thermometer is worth the investment.
Clean and maintain your grill regularly.
Grease buildup increases fire risk and can cause dangerous flare-ups. Clean grates after each use while they're still warm, and empty grease traps regularly.
Check gas connections at the start of each season and replace worn parts.
When should I seek urgent care for grill burns?
Small burns you can often treat at home with cool water and basic first aid. But larger burns, burns that blister right away, or burns on hands, face, or joints need professional care.
If a burn is larger than a quarter, looks white or leathery, or doesn't hurt at all, get medical help right away. Burns that don't hurt might be the worst ones because they can damage your nerves.
Do I need medical attention for cuts from grill equipment?
Grill grates and cleaning tools can cause deep cuts that might need stitches. If bleeding doesn't stop with direct pressure after 15 minutes or if you can see fat or bone in the wound, head to urgent care.
What are the signs of serious food poisoning from grilling?
Symptoms usually show up within hours or days of eating spoiled or contaminated food.
Severe vomiting, high fever, bloody stool, or signs of dehydration need medical help right away. Food poisoning is especially dangerous for young kids, older adults, and people with weak immune systems.
When should I worry about a grilling injury?
Small burns and cuts might seem okay at first, but can get worse later. If you're worried about any injury, it's better to have it looked at sooner rather than later.
If you've had a grilling accident and need medical care, stop by your nearest CityMD. Our providers can check burns, treat cuts, and help you recover safely so you can get back to enjoying summer cookouts. We're here when accidents happen. No appointment needed.
We’re ready to care for you.
Visit any CityMD urgent care location in your community today for an evaluation with one of our expert providers.