Deck Flooring

• Never set up a barbecue directly on the floor of a wooden deck. Purchase a fireproof grill mat that covers as much of the deck floor as possible. At minimum, the mat should extend beyond the perimeter of the grill for 3 feet on all sides. Choose a mat with a nonslip backing to keep the area safe for standing and walking.
  
  

Grill Placement

• Place the grill on either end of the deck as far away from foot traffic as possible. Leave enough space on one side of the grill for the cook to freely walk and use grilling implements without bumping into the grill, railing or surrounding walls. If the deck is above a parking area, ensure no vehicles are parked in an area where hot coals may fall onto them. Restrict small children and pets from the area, and never set up a barbecue under hanging tree branches or limbs.
  
  

Fire Control

• Charcoal barbecues need flames to ignite the briquettes or lumps. Whether you use a charcoal chimney starter and newspaper, electric charcoal lighter or charcoal lighter fluid, don't overdo it. Keep the charcoal in the chimney at proper levels, and let the fluid penetrate the briquettes instead of spraying them while they are ignited. Keeping the cord of electric fire starters out of walking paths will help to avoid tripping accidents. You should avoid using kerosene, lighter fluid or any other liquid not specifically formulated to ignite charcoal. Never leave the fire unattended, and keep tools on hand to extinguish errant embers and sparks that land on the deck or surrounding areas. If possible, cover the grill with a mesh, fireproof net to contain sparks.
  
  

Safety Tips

• Clean grill grates, drip pans, trays and lids after each use to prevent creosote buildup that can ignite during cooking. You'll want to use extra long tongs to manipulate food from a safe distance. Before placing coals into a metal container for disposal, let them cool completely. Keep a home fire extinguisher on hand during grilling, and get it regularly inspected and refilled. As the fumes are highly toxic to humans and pets, avoid using grills in enclosed or partially enclosed areas.