On Memorial Day, let us honor those who gave their lives for our country. Our warmest wishes on Memorial Day and deepest gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice of our fallen heroes. May their courage and dedication will never be forgotten.

GRILL SAFETY: Things you need to know

Gas grills in particular constitute a higher risk of home fires during peak months. Liquid petroleum (LP) gas or propane, used in gas grills, is highly flammable. Many of these fires and explosions occur when consumers first use a grill that has been left idle for a period of time or just after refilling and reattaching the grill's gas container.

To reduce the risk of fire or explosion, consumers should routinely perform the following safety checks:

• Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders, or food grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear blockage and push it through to the main part of the burner.

• Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing.

• Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease. If you can't move the hoses, install a heat shield to protect them.

• Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.

• Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions, if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the LP gas container. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed.

• Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from a leaking grill.

• Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.

• Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself. See an LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair person.

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the grill

• Always keep propane tanks upright. Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill or indoors. Never store or use flammable liquids, like gasoline, near the grill.

• To avoid accidents while transporting LP gas containers, consumers should transport the container in a secure, upright position. Never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk.

• Don't forget to have a fire extinguisher on hand.

• know how to cut fuel supplies, extinguish fires and call the fire department.

• You should also know something about treating burns.

• Grilling requires some clear thinking, especially when it's time to pull it all together. Save that drink for after the fire is out.

We wish you a happy memorial weekend.