The sizzle season: safety tips for barbecues

With summer finally here, ‘tis the season to dust off the garden furniture, clean up the barbie and prepare for family feasts al fresco during the glorious light, warm evenings and hot weekends to come.

In fact, according to the Met Office, sun-starved Britain is set for a superb summer this year with temperatures predicted to reach sweltering Mediterranean highs. As the credit crunch is forcing so many of us to holiday at home this year, the news couldn’t be more welcome.
But before barbecue frenzy takes hold and you start to stockpile the burgers, prawns and sausages, it pays to know the facts about fire risks and food hygiene. That way you’ll ensure your garden parties don’t end with a trip to casualty – or a night running back and forwards to the loo.
So follow our top tips for safe sizzle parties to protect yourself, the kids and your home.

Food wise
It’s no surprise that cases of food poisoning increase in the warmer weather, and according to the Food Standards Agency, when you're barbecuing, the biggest risk is from raw and undercooked meat. To avoid a host of nasty bugs including E. coli and salmonella:

• Always cook meats, seafood and poultry all the way through. Ensure that they are piping hot with no pink flesh, and that any juices run clear.

• Keep raw meat away from ready-to-eat foods like salads, ideally in a sealed container so that juices do not drip.

• Regularly wash your hands, chopping board and tongs to ensure bugs from raw meat cannot transfer to other surfaces and foods.

• Use separate utensils for raw and cooked foods.

• Make sure frozen food is properly thawed before you cook it.

Fire safety
Unfortunately, barbecue-related accidents, including severe burns, are all too common during the summer months. Often, trouble starts because the barbecue hasn’t been used in months and we’re eager to get cooking as soon as the sun comes out. People get frustrated when barbecues fail to light quickly and may be tempted to use paraffin or petrol to get it going. This can make coals burst into flames suddenly, causing severe burns to the face, hands and neck.
The National BBQ Association website has important advice for the safe use of barbecue equipment. It says:

• Only ever use barbecue lighter fuel to light charcoals – not petrol or flammable liquids.

• If you have a gas barbecue, switch off and re-ignite if it fails to light up at first attempt rather than leaving the unlit gas flowing.

• Place your barbecue set securely on level ground, well away from trees and shrubs and anything that could catch light.

• Ensure there is no clutter or objects that beg to be tripped over anywhere near the heat and cooking source.

• Pay attention while you’re cooking as the hot grill can cause nasty burns.

• Heat, alcohol and cooking stress can be a heady mix so save the beer or wine until your chef-work is done.

• Keep a fire blanket or water spray for charcoals close to hand.

Kids and pets
Family barbecues are a source of great excitement for children who want to see what you’re doing and beg to help out, and all the noise and smells can be stressful for animals. To ensure that every member of the family has a good time:

• Keep dogs and cats safely inside until the barbecue has cooled down.

• Explain to the kids that the barbecue is hot and dangerous and that the chef needs plenty of space to do the cooking.

• Keep children supervised at all times – and if Mum and Dad are both busy ask one of your guests to play with them well away from the barbecue. If you’re short of space, organise an indoor activity for them to keep them occupied until the food is ready.

Insurance matters
If you’re planning a busy summer of hosting friends and family, it pays to ensure that your house insurance policy is up to date and adequately covers you for fire or accidental damage to your personal belongings both in the house and garden.

MORE TH>N is the direct financial services arm of RSA. It offers budget car insurance, home, pet, life and travel insurance by phone and via the internet. It also offers buy to let insurance, office, shop, public liability insurance, business car, property, hotels, club, contractor and van insurance direct to small businesses.

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