Now that summer has finally arrived, its time to dust off the barbecue and get the party started outdoors! Inviting all your friends and family round and cooking a meal outdoors is the best way to spend an evening or weekend when the sun is shining and you want to make the most of the time off from work.
Get the Barbecue party started!
A barbecue meal can be a refreshing change after spending the colder months indoors but during periods of hot weather, the London Fire Brigade has seen an increase in barbecue and grass related fires.
That is why they have put together these top tips on BBQ safety and fire safety outdoors.
BBQ safety tips:
- Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies
- Never use a BBQ indoors (yes, people do!)
- Never leave a BBQ unattended
- Make sure your BBQ is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste
- Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area
- Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If the ashes are hot they can melt the plastic and cause a fire
- Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your BBQ, use only recognised lighters or starter fuels on cold coals
Gas BBQ safety tips:
- Store gas cylinders outside away from direct sunlight and frost
- Take care when turning bottled gas BBQs on and off
- Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder
- After cooking turn the gas supply off first and then the BBQ control. This will stop any gas from leaking
- Change gas cylinders outdoors or in a well ventilated area.
For more fire and safety advice – visit the Hackney Council website.
Bottles gas barbecues are increasingly popular compared to Charcoal based barbecues – they can be more costeffective and less messy. However, make sure you know how to store them safely and securely in a suitable bottled gas storage unit – such as the AsgasGas Bottle Storage Unit from Asgard.
Store your Barbecue gas bottles safely with a suitable gas bottle storage unit.
The Calor Gas approved Small Asgas unit allows you to store up to 2 x 19kg gas bottles safely and securely when not in use. The Unit is designed with special vents allow a free flow of air preventing a gas build-up in the event of a leak and the locking facilities keep your gas cylinders safe from tampering or theft. For more information – visit the Asgard website.
