While backyard cookouts are a favorite warm-weather tradition, a hot grill can quickly turn fun into an emergency if safety isn’t a priority.
A little awareness goes a long way. By talking with children about grill safety and setting clear boundaries around cooking areas, families can help prevent burns and injuries.
Cooking Up Fun, Serving Up Safety
The grill may be the star of the cookout, but it’s not a toy. Hot grills, charcoal, and fire pits can cause serious burns in just seconds. Help keep little ones safe by creating a few simple ground rules before the burgers hit the grill.
- Create a 3-foot “kid-free zone”1 around the grill and keep children and pets outside of this area.
- Store matches and lighters securely out of children’s reach and teach children to notify an adult if they find them.1
- Be mindful of lingering heat. Charcoal, grills, and fire pits can remain hot long after cooking has ended and may still cause burns.
- Always supervise children when they are near grilling areas or outdoor fire features.
Setting clear safety rules before the cookout begins can help prevent injuries and ensure the focus stays on summer fun.
Protecting the Chef
A few simple safety habits can help prevent accidents and keep your cookout running smoothly. Before you fire up the grill, keep these tips in mind:
- Dress for safety. Wear an apron and oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves to protect yourself from hot surfaces and splattering grease.
- Use long-handled grilling tools.2 Tongs and turning forks help keep your hands a safe distance from the heat.
- Keep your grill clean. Regularly remove grease buildup from the bottom of the grill to reduce the risk of a grease fire.
- Be prepared for emergencies. Keep a fire extinguisher or a box of baking soda nearby in case a small fire occurs.
- Know what to do if a fire starts. If your grill catches fire, turn off the gas supply (if it is safe to do so) and close the grill lid to help smother the flames.2
- Allow smoke to escape. Grill with the hood open when appropriate to avoid trapping excess smoke, which can increase exposure to smoke and irritate the airways.2
Watch for Signs of Smoke Exposure
Too much smoke can be dangerous to both adults and children. Be alert for symptoms such as:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Headache
If someone develops these symptoms, move them to fresh air and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or do not improve.
Don’t Let Germs Crash the Cookout
The best part of any cookout? The food! But before you dig into those burgers and hot dogs, it’s important to make sure food is prepared and stored safely. Following these tips from HealthyChildren.org and the American Academy of Pediatrics, can help prevent food poisoning and keep the focus on fun.
Prep:
Chill:
A Shared Responsibility
Keeping our children safe while having fun takes teamwork. Plan for safety, so you can keep the focus on good food, great company, and making lasting summer memories.
For more information about BBQ safety, call the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, a program of Jackson Hospital and University of Miami Funded by the Children’s Trust at 305-243-9080 or visit www.injuryfree.org.
- Citations
- Hopkins Medicine. How to Avoid Common Kids Injuries in the Summer. HopkinsMedicine.org
- Orlando Health. 8 Grilling Safety Tips for Summer Cookouts. OrlandoHealth.com
- Summer Food Safety Tips: Don’t Let Germs Spoil Your Outdoor Family Meal. HealthyChildren.org
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Food Safety and Children. Aap.org
- How to Choose an Insect Repellent for Your Child. HealthyChildren.org
