Step outside on any warm day and odds are you may be able to pick up on the smell of a nearby grill as neighbors cook up some creations.

Whether you’re using gas or charcoal, to heat up hot dogs, burgers or vegetables, grilling is a popular and tasty way to cook but it does come with hazards.

Perry Fire Chief Chris Hinds encourages everyone to first check their equipment before starting to grill.  He says

“Always check your grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes or leaks. Make sure they’re not making any sharp bends or anything like that.”

Chief Hinds also says it’s important to make sure you’re not grilling next to any sort of building or storage area, especially those with flammable materials inside.