Written by Jenny Catton
When the sun is shining and your garden is blooming, what better way could there be to enjoy outdoor life than by inviting friends or family round to share a garden barbecue?
From the thrill of cooking on open flames to the joy of eating delicious food in the fresh air, everyone loves a barbecue. And with so many types of barbecue equipment available – from small kettle barbecues to gas-powered barbecues, it’s an easy way to cook and entertain whatever size your garden happens to be.
Of course, anything that involves heat, flames and cooking comes with risks, so it’s important to take precautions when hosting a barbecue in your garden. Here are our tips for a safe barbecue:
Protect yourself from scalds and burns
Make sure your barbecue is placed on sturdy ground and cannot fall over. Always use the correct implements when barbecuing and only use proper barbecue fuel to get things going – never use petrol or paraffin.
Make sure your barbecue is positioned away from garden sheds and timber structures and have a bucket of water close by in case the flames get out of control. It’s also important to keep children well away from the barbecue – they may not realise how hot it is and try to grab tempting things if they have the opportunity.
Think about what you’re wearing when barbecuing – stay clear of long sleeves or shawls which could catch fire. Always wear proper shoes – not open-toed sandals, in case hot coals or sharp utensils drop to the floor.
Avoid food poisoning
Keep raw meat away from other foods and use separate equipment for handling raw and cooked food to prevent cross-contamination. When barbecuing, it’s easy for things to become burnt on the outside before they are cooked in the middle so always ensure food is cooked all the way through before serving. Check meat is properly cooked either by inserting a skewer and ensuring that the juices run clear or cut things like burgers and sausages in half to check they are cooked all the way through.
If you’re planning an evening barbecue, make sure you have enough light to be able to check that food is cooked correctly. This may mean starting the cooking earlier in the day, or using bright artificial lights so that you can see what you are doing.
Be sun smart
When you’re relaxing in the garden it’s easy to forget about the damage that the sun can cause. Provide areas of shade for your guests and have sun hats and suntan lotion on hand to keep people protected.
Easy on the alcohol
For many people, outdoor entertaining means cold beers or chilled wine. But drinking alcohol in the sun can quickly lead to dehydration so make sure there are lots of alcohol-free alternatives available too. It’s probably best if the chef takes care of the food before over-indulging in alcohol to prevent accidents.
For more information about barbecue safety, visit: www.fireservice.co.uk
