Barbecues provide a delightful opportunity to cook and eat food in a charming community setting. Not all homes are suitable for hosting a barbeque, if you’re unsure, you can use the London Fire Brigade’s Home Fire Safety Checker or simply contact us.
If your outside area is BBQ-appropriate, it’s vital to ensure that your experience remains safe and enjoyable, so here are some essential tips:
- Choose the right location and mind your surroundings: Set up your barbecue in an open, well-ventilated outdoor area on level ground, away from balconies and flammable objects such as sheds, fences, trees, and tents.
- Stay attentive and control the charcoal by using only enough to cover the base of the BBQ.
- Ignite safely and cook with caution: avoid using flammable liquids and use firelighters when lighting your BBQ. Exercise care when cooking fatty foods to prevent violent flames, and use proper utensils while remaining at a safe distance.
- Create a safe zone: Ensure children, pets, and garden games are kept at a safe distance from the BBQ area. Be prepared with a bucket of water or sand nearby to smother potential fires in case of an emergency.
- Allow the BBQ to cool before moving it to prevent burns or unintended fires. Dispose of cold ashes by emptying them into garden soil rather than bins.
- Moderate alcohol consumption and maintain alertness while operating a BBQ to prevent any accidents.
- Remember: BBQs can stay hot for hours and emit carbon monoxide fumes even after they go out. Never bring them indoors.
By following these safety guidelines, you can enjoy a fantastic BBQ experience without compromising your welfare, or the welfare of your home. Stay safe and create lasting memories in the great outdoors!