Stay safe as the BBQ is fired up

Back

As the weather finally appears to making a turn for the better and huge numbers of us head into the garden for some al fresco dining, the number of barbecue-related accidents is set to soar.

With 10.5 million households planning to light a barbecue this summer, an accident will happen on average every 16 minutes.

As a quarter of households do not have adequate home insurance cover, more than 2.5 million families are running a major risk by cooking outdoors.

Of course, even those who are covered by their home insurance could benefit from paying heed to a few simple rules.

For example, don’t ever leave a barbecue unattended and ensure pets and kids are kept well away.

Always remember to light the grill on level ground and well clear of buildings, plants and fences and don’t light it with petrol or other accelerants.

Always have a method of putting the barbecue out close by and don’t throw the hot embers out until they have cooled right down.