May is National Barbecue Month, which means it’s time to uncover the grill and head outdoors for cookouts with family and friends. While grilling can be a fun summertime activity, it can easily become dangerous without proper preparation. Between 2007 and 2011, gas grills were involved in an annual average of 7,200 home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Here’s what you need to know in order to grill safely:

Choose the proper location for your grill

According to the NFPA, more than a quarter of home fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace or patio and 29 percent started on an exterior balcony or open porch. The Insurance Information Institute recommends keeping grills on a level surface away from the house, garage, landscaping, and most importantly, children.

Clean your grill the right way

It’s important to remove grease and fat buildup from the grill and the trays below the grill, according to the NFPA. The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association offers the following tips for easy cleanup:

  • Apply non-stick spray or olive oil to the grate before lighting the grill. This will help cut down on cleanup time later.
  • If you have a charcoal grill, line the bowl with aluminum foil. When you’re finished grilling and after the grill and coals have cooled down, you can easily throw away the foil with the coals and ash.
  • Scrub grates with a wire brush to remove food buildup.
  • Use dish soap and an abrasive pad to scrub grates, then rinse.

Wear protective clothing

To prevent burns while grilling, wear a heavy apron and an oven mitt that fits high over your forearm. You should also use long-handled utensils to avoid burns from splattering. Make sure to never wear loose clothing or clothing that hangs because it could catch fire.

Never use a grill indoors

Remember that grills should only be used outside. According to the HPBA, barbecuing in an enclosed area, such as a tent, trailer, house or garage can be deadly because carbon monoxide may accumulate.

Handle fuel properly

According to the I.I.I., you should store gas cylinders outdoors and away from your home if you have a gas grill. You should also make sure valves are turned off when not in use and check connections for leaks regularly by using a mix of soap and water to show bubbles where gas is escaping.

If you have a charcoal grill, never use gasoline and use only a small amount of starter fluid. According to the I.I.I., you should never add more liquid fuel because this could cause a flash fire. If the fire is slow, rekindle with dry kindling and add more charcoal if needed. Dispose of charcoal by soaking it in water to cool it completely and then placing it in a closed metal bin away from your house and other structures.

Remember, grills stay hot long after extinguished. 

Make sure you’re covered if an accident happens

Your home is likely your biggest investment and most valuable asset, so it’s important to make sure you’re protected if the worst were to happen.

Most homeowners insurance will pay to repair or rebuild your home if it’s damaged by a fire. Your policy will also offer coverage up to a certain amount for your personal belongings and pays for additional living expenses while your home is being repaired. It also offers liability protection, which will cover you against lawsuits if somebody is injured on your property.

According to the I.I.I., liability limits typically start at $100,000 but experts recommend purchasing at least $300,000 worth of protection. And if you plan to regularly hold cookouts at your house, it may be a good idea to invest in an umbrella policy. Umbrella insurance offers extra liability protection and will kick in once your normal policy has reached its limit.