Summer is already in full swing, and across the country, people are celebrating the long, sunny days with backyard barbecues. Longtime grillers often turn to propane to fuel their fires, so the propane experts at Low Price Gas have a few simple tips that will keep you cooking safely:

• Always grill in a well-ventilated, outdoor area that's a good distance away from your home. Before you light up, do a quick check for leaves, brush, or any other potential fire hazards nearby.
• Foil is a popular grilling tool, but make sure to avoid covering the bottom of your grill with foil; this restricts air circulation.
• Even if you are slow smoking a slab of meat, don’t walk away and leave the grill unattended for any length of time.
• Never use your grill as a heater, even if the night turns unexpectedly chilly.
• If the grill does not fire up easily or the burner flame is not blue, call a propane technician to come check it out. A yellow flame could signal that air flow is obstructed.

Grills are just one of many pieces of seasonal equipment that can be fueled by propane. Pool and spa heaters, fireplaces, and camping generators are often propane-powered, and come equipped with a variety of valves, regulators, and controls. Homeowners should never try to adjust any of these settings; schedule residential propane service from qualified technicians instead.

Given the many ways you may use propane over the summer, it is helpful to teach your family how to recognize a leak. A propane leak will usually smell strongly of rotten eggs. If you do spot a leak, evacuate the area and call the fire department and your local propane experts.

Nothing should stand in the way of backyard fun with the family, and with a little caution and assistance from the experts, you and your loved ones can stay safe throughout the summer.

Call the team at Low Price Gas at (830) 980-2600 to schedule propane service or to learn more propane safety tips.