When the weather gets warm, cooking is one of the many activities that moves outside in Wisconsin. As much fun as it is to flame-broil a burger or steak, grilling can be dangerous – especially with kids around. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 18,000 Americans were injured in grilling accidents in 2009 (the latest year for which national statistics are available).

Here are some tips from the federal Bureau of Consumer Protection to keep your cooking experience safe:

• Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house or other buildings.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Use cooking utensils that keep you a safe distance from the fire.
• Never leave a burning grill unattended.
• Keep your grill clean.
• Never use a grill inside. That includes a garage, porch, or camper.

You also need to take special care with gas grills because propane is highly flammable:

• Check grill hoses for cracking, holes, and leaks.
• Always keep gas containers upright.
• Never store a spare container near your grill or indoors.
• Never keep flammable liquids – like gas – near your grill.
• If you smell gas while cooking, get away from the grill and call 911.
• Don’t move a grill with a gas leak.