BARBECUE SAFELY
Follow the rules this summer
When you are firing up the grill this summer, remember that there are a few safety rules you should follow when entertaining outdoors. There are certain things around the house you should check to ensure fire safety, so you have a safe summer.
Check your electrical. You should be checking your electrical wires and cords, inside and outside, on a regular basis — at least once a year. You also want to make sure any outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected (ground fault circuit interrupter). They should be, because that’s the code.
Don’t run many electrical cords across the area where your guests are going to be hanging out, like your deck or patio, and don’t plug in too many electrical appliances at a time. If you’re using extension cords outside, make sure they have been marked for outdoor use and have all the proper safety checks. You also want to make sure they aren’t frayed or damaged; otherwise they can potentially cause an electrical fire.
When choosing outdoor lighting, always go for safety over esthetics. There are outdoor solar-powered lamps with battery backups, so you don’t have to worry about running electrical wiring. And if you need to run any new electrical, contact a licensed electrical contractor. Even for smaller jobs, such as installing new outdoor light fixtures, getting a professional to make sure it’s safe is smart and can prevent accidents.
Now let’s talk barbecuing — the right way, which is the safe way.
Remember to set the grill at least a few feet away from your house, as well as high-traffic areas, and make sure it’s not under any overhanging branches.
Always keep a watchful eye on your grill and never leave it unattended. Sometimes glowing coal can fall from barbecues and ignite whatever combustibles are close by. That’s why it’s also important to clear any leaves, debris and combustible rubbish that might be on your deck or patio.
Remove any potential hazards, such as dried-up leaves and plants that might be close by or around your deck — they can be highly flammable.
My dad would always tell me to keep the workplace clean to prevent accidents. He was right, and it’s true of any space where people are involved.
If you’ve recently treated your wood deck with a stain or sealant, it can be extra flammable. In that case, a level patio of brick or concrete several feet away from the house would be a safer place to set your barbecue. If you have an outdoor chimney, keep it away from your wood deck as well. You know what happens when wood and fire mix. Don’t let it happen to you. What about Tiki Torches? If you use them, make sure they are properly secured to the ground and set them far away from any flammables. That includes wood decks and overhanging trees. Do not place Tiki Torches under any overhangs or near other flammable materials, and keep them at least six feet (1.8 metres) away from your house.
When filling them with TikiTorch fuel use a funnel, and if some spills, clean it up immediately. Make sure it has completely dried and evaporated before lighting the torch. Always use the cap the torch comes with to extinguish the flame — do not blow it out. And never leave a Tiki Torch unattended — treat as you would a candle. A good precaution is having an ABC chemical fire extinguisher nearby in case any flames get out of hand — do not use water. Water can spread the flames.
Finally, remember to keep the combustibles away from the kids. That includes matches, lighters, lighter fluid, Tiki-Torch fluid and barbecue lighters. Make sure your family understands fire safety by talking to your kids about the dangers of fire, because outdoor parties are about fun.
There are specific ways you can ensure fire safety when entertaining outdoors. You make it right by being safe.