Just a warning...

Now that we are moving into nicer weather, it's the season to start grilling out.

My parents have a lovely gas grill in their backyard that they just love. It cooks food evenly and juicy. My father turns into a master chef when using it.

Well, this evening he started the grill and waited a bit for it to pre-heat. After a few minutes, he was able to see from the thermometer on the outside of the cover that it was not warming up as expected. He was able to see that the fire had gone out and it needed to be re-lit. So, he pressed the button that starts the fire.

Since the gas had been accumulating for quite some time with the grill cover on, there was a good bit of it waiting when the flame hit it. So, naturally, it exploded.

My father was thrown backwards through the air and landed hard on his back on the concrete patio. Luckily, my aunt was outside with him when it happened and she was able to run over right away to help. He didn't realize it, but parts of his hair and clothes were on fire and smoldering.

He was very lucky to come out as unharmed as he did!!

He's lost his eyebrows and a good chunk of his hair on his head. His face mostly looks like he's been sunburned, not in a small explosion.

Please be safe with your gas grills out there and remember that life can change in an instant. If your gas grill light goes out, open the cover and let the gas escape before re-lighting it!!