When you're cooking on an outdoor grill, remember to be safe. Besides keeping your food safe by the way you handle it, keep yourself safe from the fire.

Here are some helpful hints from the University of Georgia Extension Service.

• Always take precautions when lighting the fire. Never use gasoline, fuel oil or kerosene. Besides being highly dangerous, these fuels also produce smoke that leaves an oily aftertaste on the food.
• Never use a grill on a wooden deck, especially if you live in an apartment or condominium complex.
• Keep handles of cooking equipment turned to one side away from the heat.
• Keep clothes close. Roll up shirt sleeves, tuck shirts in and wearing avoid loose flowing skirts or scarves. Keep long hair restricted, too.
• Use proper, safe equipment like long-handled utensils and potholders. Keep a spray bottle or water hose close by to control flames.
• Be sure the fire is completely out before you leave it.
• Never use a charcoal grill indoors. The coals emit hazardous carbon dioxide.