Things are heating up outside and that means it’s time for backyard BBQ’s!  Summertime is full of fun for all and eating outdoors is one of the fun things you can do during this season.  It is important to keep safety in mind when cooking outdoors.    Here are a few backyard BBQ safety tips that you can use next time you have family and friends over to cookout.   These tips are good for cooking on your grill or in your fire pit. 

  • barbecueMany times when folks cook out they will do so from their deck.  If you are planning to walk away from your grill for any amount of time you may want place your grill away from the deck so that there is no chance that it can catch on fire.  Perhaps a patio would be a better place for your outdoor cooking.  If you don’t have a patio you can easily build one. 
  • It is a good idea to keep your grill clean and free of debris that may have gathered on it over the winter months.  When you pull your grill out for your first BBQ this summer you should clean it thoroughly. 
  • Gas propane tanks need to be stored in temperature controlled areas as they are a fire hazard if left in areas where the temperatures can get very high. 
  • If you have a fire pit and you choose to use it for your summer barbecuing fun, you need to be sure that it is located at least 10 feet away from your home or any structures. 
  • Be sure to use wood that has been dried for at least 6 months in your fire pit.  Also only use a fire starter for fire pits to start the fire.  Never under any circumstance use gasoline to start the fire.  Fire pits are close to the ground and can start a brush fire quite easily if not kept contained and if not careful.
  • If it happens to be windy on the evening in which you choose to use your fire pit it may be best to use the grill instead.  As I mentioned already, fire pits are not as easily contained as a regular barbecue grill.

As long as you use a bit of common sense and the tips we have listed here, you should be able to enjoy your backyard barbecue with your friends and family without any issues arising. 

Information provided by Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.