Choose the right charcoal for your purpose
Place the charcoal in a safe, well-ventilated area
Use a charcoal chimney starter or lighter cubes to ignite it
Wait until the charcoal is covered with gray ash before using
Spread the hot charcoal evenly if cooking
Add more charcoal as needed to maintain heat
Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby
Never use charcoal indoors or in enclosed spaces
Dispose of ashes only after they are completely cool
Store unused charcoal in a dry place