BBQs are a time of fun and relaxation, but don’t forget, you are playing with fire. Literally.
That’s why it’s important to consider several key safety factors whenever you host a cookout. So keep yourself, your family, friends, and even your neighbours, garden, and the BBQ itself safe with these essential tips.
Familiarise yourself with the following safety advice and it’ll become second nature. Meaning you can truly relax when it’s barbecue time, allowing you to cook with confidence and enjoy a safe and sizzling experience.
Grill Location
Be mindful of where you place your grill. Make sure it is on a flat, even and stable surface. You should have an open space that gives you plenty of room, especially from things like trees (cut them back if necessary).
Keep it away from your house, and try to keep a distance from your fence too, as neighbours won’t appreciate the smoke blowing into their garden. Ventilation is important, do not attempt to BBQ in indoor areas.
Place the barbecue somewhere where people won’t have to walk past you and it, and keep it away from anything flammable. Store fuel safely, out of direct sunlight.
BBQ Maintenance
You should practise proper maintenance of your machine both before and after using, but if you’re just getting it out for the first time this season, give it a good inspection.
Maintenance is key to safety, look for signs of wear and tear, check for any leaks in the connections, hose and propane tank if using a gas grill.
You should also give the grill a good clean before using. If there is still food debris stuck from last time, heat up the BBQ and then allow it to cool down. This will make it easier to wipe, scrape or brush off this food leftover with water, soap, and a sponge or specific grill brush.
It might be easy to forget after enjoying yourself, but try to clean the grill after use every time, it’ll be easier. Even if you just do it the next day.
And if you’re putting the BBQ away for a while, consider cleaning it first, waiting for it to dry, and then using a BBQ cover to keep it protected. This is especially a good idea if you’re storing a smaller grill in a garage or shed, or you have a bigger machine and it stays outside all year round. A cover will keep it pristine and safe from elements, rain, snow, or shine.
Just make sure you let it dry first before you cover it, otherwise you’ll risk trapping in moisture, which will mean a mouldy surprise next time you get the BBQ out. To reduce this risk, try a cover with vents, like this one.
Pay Attention
It can be easy to forget about the grill when you are socialising and maybe enjoying a beverage at the same time, but the BBQ should be your number one priority.
Stay sober, there’ll be plenty of time to drink once the barbecuing part is over. You can then sit down and relax with a drink, burger, and your guests.
Manage the heat appropriately, don’t let the fire or the smoke get out of control. Never leave the BBQ unattended, especially if there are children or pets around. Make sure they are always a safe distance away from everything.
If you do need to attend to something else quickly, ask another adult that knows what they’re doing to step in and keep an eye on things for a minute.
When you are done with the BBQ, make sure you allow it to cool down adequately before you completely relax.
Use Safety Gear
Use gloves, an apron, and make sure you grill in well light conditions, even if that means buying a BBQ light attachment for evening cooking. Use the right cooking tools, utensils long enough to keep you a safe distance from the heat and fire. Make sure you’re not wearing anything loose or dangly that could catch fire.
Don’t Forget Food Safety
Be mindful to not cross contaminate anything, use separate utensils for raw meat. Investing in a meat thermometer will make sure you’re cooking things to a safe internal temperature. You don’t want to be remembered as the one who gave everyone food poisoning, do you?
Be Prepared
Always be on the ball and prepare for any emergencies by keeping a bucket of water, sand, or a fire extinguisher nearby. A first aid kit to treat minor burns is also a good idea.
Enjoy
With these safety tips in mind, you should be good to go. So be prepared, be mindful, and enjoy the BBQ season.