With the warm weather a lot of families have started to grill out, and enjoy small bonfires.  Here are some safety tips for grills and bonfires.

Bonfire

– Build your bonfire well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges.

– Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire and never burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture or batteries.

– Keep bonfires to a manageable size and evenly built so that they collapse inwards as they burn.

– Always check the bonfire’s construction is still sound prior to lighting it, that there are no children or animals inside.

– Don’t leave fires unattended. An adult should supervise it until it has burnt out.

Grill Safety 

– Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes – where the air and gas mix – are not blocked.

– Do not wear loose clothing while cooking at a barbecue.

– Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode.

– Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills.

– Dispose of hot coals properly – douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers.

– Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas – carbon monoxide could be produced.

– Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention.

If you do not have a fire extinquisher, it is important for every house to have at least one available. At Schmidt Security Pro we sell and service all sizes of fire extinguishers.

Remember these 4 letters:

P: Pull the pin out

A: Aim at the bottom of the fire

S: Squeeze the lever

S: Sweep along the bottom of the fire

These four letters can save your life!