Summer is here and it’s time to celebrate! Here's how we can enjoy some of our favourite summer activities safely.
Avoid a barbecue fire
As someone who is not the most gifted griller, I can confidently say it’s pretty easy for a barbecue to catch fire. But the thing is, there is a risk regardless of your skill level. Here are some tips for staying safe, according to Health Canada:
When setting up a barbecue, make sure it is:
If you haven’t used your barbecue in a long time, it is important to check it before use. Look for:
Finally, check to make sure the barbecue and burners are clean and that there isn’t a build up of grease.
When you’re grilling, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. And remember to:
Avoid a barbecue fire
As someone who is not the most gifted griller, I can confidently say it’s pretty easy for a barbecue to catch fire. But the thing is, there is a risk regardless of your skill level. Here are some tips for staying safe, according to Health Canada: When setting up a barbecue, make sure it is:
- Outside in a well-ventilated area – never use a barbecue indoors.
- Far away from combustible materials, like trees, play structures, outdoor furniture, etc.
- On an even surface to reduce the risk of tipping over.
If you haven’t used your barbecue in a long time, it is important to check it before use. Look for:
- Blocked burners or metal tubes near the burners.
- Damaged or leaking fittings and hoses.
- Replace cracked or damaged hoses even if they are not leaking.
- A damaged seal – check the seal when you get your barbecue tank refilled and check for leaks. after reinstalling.
- If you don’t feel confident about checking your barbecue, have a professional inspect it.
Finally, check to make sure the barbecue and burners are clean and that there isn’t a build up of grease.
When you’re grilling, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. And remember to:
- If the barbecue does not light right away turn off the gas and wait for it to clear before attempting to light it again.
- Inspect your barbecue brush and grill before each use. Avoid the use of a brush with loose bristles.
- Never leave a lit grill unattended.
- Use long-handled cooking utensils and heat-resistant mitts to reduce the risk of burns.
- Shut off the gas valve.
- Let the gas remaining in the connecting hose burn off.
- Close your burner controls.
- If you’re using a charcoal barbecue, make sure the charcoal has cooled completely before getting rid of it – this can take several hours.
- Clean your barbecue often, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Make sure to follow the laws and rules in your area. Only adults should handle fireworks.
- Always purchase fireworks from reliable sources that sell products meeting safety standards.
- Read the instructions, even if it seems obvious. There will be safety information about how far anyone watching should be when the firework is set off.
- Do not handle fireworks if you’re impaired.
- Check conditions – do not light fireworks when it is windy.
- Set up your fireworks in a clear, open space. Follow directions for the safest distance for spectators.
- Set fireworks at a 10-degree angle, pointing away from people.
- Have a plan for the order you will be setting off fireworks
- Be prepared with a bucket of sand, water, and a working fire extinguisher.
- Wear protective goggles, gloves, and keep hair and clothing clear while you light fireworks. Light them at arm’s reach and then stand back.
- If a firework is a dud, don’t attempt to relight it. Wait at least 30 minutes until you approach a lit firework that didn’t go off.
- Do not hold lit fireworks
- When you’re done, dispose of fireworks properly. Sparklers should go in a bucket of sand until they cool down – they stay hot for a while. Use a hose or bucket of water to soak used fireworks – wait 30 minutes after lighting any duds before soaking them or use a hose. Do not soak used fireworks in a lake or other natural body of water.
