Barbecues are a fun alternative to the usual dinner, but they also present fire hazards, burns and food safety risks if used incorrectly. From using a gas BBQ to learning how to light a charcoal BBQ, following a few simple fire safety tips and good health and safety practices can help protect your home and keep everyone safe. It's also worth making sure your home insurance provides the right protection for your property, giving you added peace of mind when enjoying your garden during the summer.
Choose a Safe Location for Your Barbecue
Choosing the right location is one of the easiest ways to improve barbecue fire safety. Whether you're using gas barbecues, a charcoal barbecue or disposable BBQs, always:
- Place your barbecue on a flat, stable surface.
- Keep it well away from your home, sheds, fences, trees and other flammable materials.
- Use your barbecue outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
- Leave enough space around the barbecue for people to move around safely.
Never use a barbecue indoors, in a garage or beneath enclosed structures. Barbecues are designed for outdoor cooking, and using one in an enclosed space can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
In hot, dry weather, avoid placing your barbecue directly on dry grass. Falling embers or hot charcoal can ignite vegetation and increase the risk of grass fires.
Gas BBQ Safety Tips
A gas BBQ is quick, convenient and easy to use, but it should be checked before each use.
Before lighting your barbecue:
- Check the gas hose for cracks, splits or signs of wear.
- Ensure all gas connections are secure.
- Open the barbecue lid before lighting it to prevent gas from building up.
- If you smell gas, turn off the supply immediately and investigate before attempting to relight it.
During cooking:
- Never leave your barbecue unattended.
- Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
- Turn off the gas supply once you've finished cooking.
- Allow the barbecue to cool completely before covering or storing it.
If you use your gas BBQ regularly, inspect the gas cylinder, regulator and hose for signs of wear or damage, and replace any faulty parts before using it again.
How to Light a Charcoal BBQ Safely
Prefer cooking over charcoal? Here's how to light a charcoal BBQ safely:
- Arrange the charcoal in a pile or use a chimney starter.
- Use approved fire lighters, natural lighting cubes or a chimney starter to ignite the charcoal.
- Never use petrol, methylated spirits or excessive amounts of starter fuel, as this can cause dangerous flare-ups.
- Wait until the charcoal is covered with a light layer of grey ash before cooking.
Once you've finished allow the coals to cool completely before disposing of the ashes. Hot embers can remain dangerous for several hours. If you keep your BBQ or other garden and leisure equipment outside, you can may also need to consider protecting them with some optional extra cover on your home insurance policy.
Disposable BBQ Safety Tips
Disposable BBQs are ideal for picnics, beaches and camping trips, but they should be treated with the same care as any other barbecue.
Always:
- Place them on a stable, non-combustible surface.
- Never put them directly on dry grass or wooden picnic tables.
- Keep them away from flammable materials.
- Allow them to cool completely before disposing of them safely.
Even after cooking has finished, disposable barbecues can remain hot for some time, so always handle them with care.
Prevent Fires and Flare-Ups
One of the most common fire hazards is a flare-up caused by dripping fat. Grease allowed to build up inside the barbecue can quickly lead to a grease fire.
To help prevent flare-ups:
- Clean cooking grills and grease trays regularly.
- Trim excess fat from meat before cooking.
- Avoid overfilling the barbecue with food.
- Keep the barbecue lid closed if a flare-up occurs.
- For gas barbecues, turn off the gas supply if it's safe to do so.
Keep a fire blanket or suitable fire extinguisher nearby if you barbecue regularly.
Practise Good Food Safety
Fire safety isn't the only consideration. Safe food handling is just as important and helps reduce the risk of food poisoning. Be sure to:
- Wash your hands before preparing food.
- Keep raw meat separate from cooked food.
- Use separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked meat.
- Cook burgers, sausages, chicken and other meats thoroughly.
- Keep chilled food refrigerated until it's ready to be cooked.
- Avoid leaving cooked food sitting outside in warm weather for long periods.
Using a food thermometer is a simple way to check that meat has reached a safe internal temperature.
Keep Children and Pets Safe
Keep children and pets away from the barbecue by:
- Creating a safety zone around the cooking area.
- Keeping children and pets at a safe distance while cooking.
- Avoiding running or playing games near the barbecue.
- Never leaving hot utensils unattended.
- Allowing the barbecue to cool fully before moving or cleaning it.
Protect Your Garden and Outdoor Equipment
Making sure your outdoor furniture, barbecues and other garden and leisure equipment is covered on your home insurance policy is important in the event that there is a break in or damaged in a storm. These items are expensive to replace, so it's worth looking after them and making sure they are covered. Some ways you can keep them and you protected include:
- Position your barbecue away from outdoor furniture, cushions and parasols.
- Store spare gas cylinders safely in accordance with the manufacturer's guidance.
- Keep outdoor electrical equipment away from cooking areas.
- Cover or store your barbecue once it has cooled completely.
Some home insurance policies offer optional cover for garden and leisure equipment, helping to protect eligible outdoor items against unexpected loss or damage.
What Should You Do if a Barbecue Causes Damage to Your Property?
If a barbecue causes damage to your home or garden:
- Make sure everyone is safe and call the emergency services if necessary.
- Prevent further damage if it's safe to do so.
- Take photographs of the damage.
- Keep receipts for any emergency repairs.
- Contact your home insurer as soon as possible to discuss your claim.
Depending on your policy, optional accidental damage cover may help against certain unexpected incidents involving your home or contents.
Enjoy Your Summer Barbecue Safely
A barbecue should be remembered for good food and good company, not for accidents. Whether you're using a gas BBQ, cooking on charcoal or taking a portable gas BBQ on your next adventure, a little planning goes a long way.
If you've invested in your home, garden or outdoor equipment, it's always worth reviewing your home insurance. OUTsurance offers optional extras such portable items cover and accidental damage cover, helping you protect the things that matter most.