Click on the picture above for a PDF of the new Fire Safety Outdoors leaflet.

23 June 2008

With the barbecue season now well underway after a few false starts, Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service is renewing its annual safety warning.

Community safety manager Terry Ridgley said: “We’re currently experiencing some spells of delightful weather and it is natural to want to go outdoors and enjoy it with family and friends.

“By following some simple rules, you can ensure your barbecue is a safe and enjoyable event. It's mainly just a matter of common sense.”

Terry’s top 10 tips are:

• Never use of flammable liquids to light the barbecue. Prepare well in advance, using enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue - normally around five centimetres
  
  
• Enjoy yourself, but don’t drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue
  
  
• Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs and garden waste
  
  
• Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area
  
  
• Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues
  
  
• Never use a barbecue indoors
  
  
• Never leave a barbecue unattended
  
  
• After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it
  
  
• Empty ashes on to bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins
  
  
• Always keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies

Additional safety tips if you have a gas barbecue

• Never store gas cylinders under the stairs – if there is a fire they might explode and block your escape route
  
  
• Store gas cylinders outside, away from direct sunlight and frost
  
  
• Take care when turning bottled gas barbecues on and off
  
  
• Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder
  
  
• After cooking, turn the gas supply off first and then the barbecue control. This will stop any gas from leaking
  
  
• If you suspect a leak, turn off the gas cylinder and try brushing soapy water around all joints, watching for bubbles
  
  
• Make sure all joints are tightened, safe and secure
  
  
• Change gas cylinders outdoors or in a well ventilated area