As we gather for Memorial Day weekend, it is important to practice safe eating and grilling when with our families. Listed below are 8 tips for how to have a safe holiday weekend.

1: Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house, the farther the better!

2: Clean your grill regularly to avoid grease and fat build up which provides more fuel for a fire. Grease is a major source of flare ups.

3: Check for gas leaks! You can make sure no gas is leaking from your gas grill by making a solution of half liquid dish soap and half water. By rubbing it on the hoses and connections, as you turn on the gas (with the lid open) if there are bubbles forming that is a sign that you have a gas leak!

4: Make sure all decorations and paper products are far away from the grilling area. 

5: Keep a bottle of water by the grill in case of minor flare-ups.

6: Never leave your grill unattended! Make sure all of your other food prep is done so that you can focus on grilling.

7: Do not use your grill indoors! Besides the fire hazard, grills release carbon monoxide, a deadly colorless and odorless gas that can be deadly to you and your loved ones.

8: Do not overload your grill with food, especially fatty meats!

This article is a part of the Wellness Wednesday Feature