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  Don't get toasted, follow these BBQ tips.

As the weather warms up, the number of people planning to barbecue increases. The Iqaluit Fire Department asks the public to follow a few precautions to ensure that your barbecue meal doesn't end up with you being toasted as well.

Before lighting the burner, ensure that the valve connecting the tank to the supply line is tight and in good working condition. You can check for leaks by spreading a solution of warm, soapy dishwater on the connection. If there's a leak, the solution will bubble. An unpleasant odor, that similar to rotten eggs, is a strong indication of a leak.

Be sure to leave the lid open when lighting the barbecue otherwise gas can accumulate and cause an explosion.

When transporting your tank back from the refilling station, secure it in an upright position. Remember, heated gases expand so make sure there's adequate ventilation. We also recommend that you have a screw plug in place when transporting your tank.

For those of you with charcoal barbecues, remember not to use gasoline or other liquid fuels to start your fire. Do not add any liquid starter to warm or hot coals, it could cause the solution to ignite and the resulting flame could travel back to the container in your hand.

It's always a good idea to read the owner's manual before use. Never use any type of barbecue inside - other than those designed for that purpose - that come with a heating element similar to the burner elements on a stovetop.

Following these simple safety tips should make your summer a lot more enjoyable around the barbecue. Don't invite the fire department to your cookout for all the wrong reasons.

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