Ensure that sausages are the only things that burn this weekend!

There is pressure on all of our emergency services at the moment and we urge that you minimise the risk of fire or injury when you are preparing perfect prawns or senstaional sausages!

BBQ safety tips

To avoid injuries or damage to property follow these simple precautions:

• Never leave the BBQ unattended
• Ensure the BBQ is on a flat site, well away from a shed, trees or shrubs
• Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area
• Keep a bucket of water, a hosepipe or a bucket of sand nearby for emergencies
• Ensure the BBQ is cool before attempting to move it

Disposable Barbecues

If you do use a disposable barbecue:

• It is imperative that they are placed on an even surface on either bricks or paving slabs .
• Place disposable BBQs well away from the house, shed or fences.
• Do not use disposable barbecues near or on public benches.
• If you're using a disposable BBQ ensure it has cooled before putting it in the bin.
• To avoid starting a fire you should allow it to cool for several hours and then consider pouring water over it to make sure it's out.

BBQs and alcohol

• Avoid large quantities of alcohol if you are in charge of the cooking.

Charcoal Barbecues

• Use only enough charcoal to cover the base to a depth of about 50mm (2 inches).
• Only use recognised fire lighters or starter fuel and only on cold coals - use the minimum necessary and never use petrol.
• Never put hot ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin - they could melt the plastic and cause a fire.

Gas Barbecues

• Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder
• Change cylinders outdoors if possible or in a well ventilated area
• If you suspect a leak to the cylinder or pipe work, brush soapy water around the joints and watch for bubbles - tighten to fix but do not overtighten
• After cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before turning off at the controls to ensure any residual gas in the pipe work is used up

Be carbon monoxide aware

• Never use fuel-burning equipment (as listed below) inside a tent.
• Using these indoors can cause Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning.
• They give off fumes for hours and hours after you have used them - levels high enough to result in CO poisoning.
• To avoid hazardous CO exposures, fuel-burning equipment should never be used inside a tent, camper, or other enclosed shelter.

Fuel-burning equipment can include:

• camping stoves
• camping heaters
• lanterns
• charcoal grills
• disposable barbecues