BBQ Safety
As the summer heats up, so do the grills! Outdoor grilling is a popular summer pastime – there’s nothing quite like it. Barbeque fires can easily start and quickly spread. Follow some simple safety tips and guidelines to keep you, your family and your friends safe:
1. Put Your BBQ in a Safe Location:
Ensure your BBQ is located on level ground and place it away from your home, deck railings and overhanging branches.
2. Ensure Loved Ones and Flammable Items are a Safe Distance Away
Keep children and pets, and anything that can burn such as food wrappers, an oven mitt or towel, etc. at least 1 metre away from open flames and the grill.
3. Never Leave Your BBQ Unattended
Always have an adult present when using a grill. This may sound like common sense, but there is always a chance that your meal could start a fire or small children could be injured.
4. Do not Empty Coals into a Trash Can
If using a charcoal BBQ, make sure you empty cooled coals into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid that is only used to collect coals.
5. Stay Clear of Busy Areas
Place your grill at a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
6. Keep Your Grill Clean
When you are finished cooking, remember to remove grease or fat build-up from the grill and tray below the grill.
7. Make Sure BBQ Lid is Open When Lighting
Always make sure your gas BBQ lid is open before lighting it. If you don’t, the propane will be trapped and can create a fireball.
8. Keep a Spray Water Bottle Handy
If you have a minor flare-up, you can easily spray it with water to instantly calm it.
9. Remember to Turn Your BBQ Off
It may sound silly but remember to turn your BBQ off when you are done using it.
10. Check for Gas Leaks
If you smell gas while cooling, immediately get away from the BBQ and call the fire department.
Did You Know:
- July is the peak month for BBQ fires.
- Roughly half of the injuries involving BBQs are thermal burns.
Written with information from the National Fire Protection Association. Related Pages
Last edited: April 3, 2024