The last days of summer are winding down.  Labor Day, the last big summer holiday is upon us.  School is or will be starting, the last camping trip, picnic, summer outings are about to end.  How about one last big barbecue.  Ah, the smell of the charcoal, big thick steak, juicy hamburgers, or vegies on the grill.  Many people will enjoy cooking on the grill one last time for the summer.  This also means many people will be injured and thousands of dollars of property damage will result because of carelessness.  Even people who use combustible products safely at the work-site will make mistakes and ignore safety practices once they are at home.  As a paramedic I have responded to many barbecue fire injuries that could have been prevented.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind while cooking on the barbi.

Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s directions. Of course, following directions is usually not a man thing!  Assemble and use it correctly.  Your grill can be charcoal, gas, or electric, the choice is yours.  All have dangers.

Do not use your barbecue indoors.  Fire and carbon monoxide poisoning are a real threat.  Keep the grill away from the house, usually about 10 feet or more.  If there is a fire you do not want it to spread to the house.

If using gas, keep the propane tank in an upright position.  If it is not upright the relief valve may not work properly.  Make sure the burner ports are clear of rust and dirt.  Check for leaks by putting a soapy solution on the connection of the tank and hoses.  If you see and can not stop the bubbles, do not use the barbecue, it is leaking propane.  When lighting a gas grill, keep the lid open to avoid gas buildup and light as soon as you turn on the gas.  Keep your face away from the grill.  When lit, make sure the flame is visible from the burner ports.  A barbecue lighter with a long handle is safer to use than matches.  It provides the extra reach that reduces the chance of singed hair or a burn.  Avoid wearing baggy sleeves when cooking over a barbecue, they could catch fire.  Never use gas or naphtha to light a charcoal barbecue.  Always use barbecue lighter fluid and let it soak for five minutes before lighting.

When finished barbecuing, turn off the burner and the tank valve.  Make sure coals are cool before you dispose of them.  Always dispose of the unused charcoal in a safe place.  Remember there could still be a “hot” coal that may start a fire.  Keep in mind, the entire barbecue assembly is hot, keep children and pets away.  The surface it is sitting on should be flat, you want a stable area where it is not easily tipped over spilling hot coal.

I hope you had a wonderful summer, don’t let it end tragically.  Sometimes we get in a hurry and do not take time to play it safe.  Enjoy your last summer cook out, be careful, and have fun.