8 Grilling Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe

If you’re not used to having kids around when grilling, the sudden thought of them bumping into the grill and burning themselves is enough to scare anyone. Besides a bump into your hot grill, kids could also inadvertently cause a lot more harm to themselves, others, and property while around a grill.

Here are some tips to keep kids safe while grilling this season.

1. Appoint a Child Supervisor

Kids always need to be supervised when a grill is hot. Toddlers might walk over and touch it, or older children could bump or run into it when playing games. When you invite families over for a BBQ party, it can be easy for guests to lose track of children while socializing.

Depending on how many kids are present, you can appoint one, two, or more supervisors to be near the grill and watch out for the kids.

2. Create a Buffer Zone

When young toddlers want to play with something, it can be very hard to deter them. They may even think your efforts to prevent them from getting near the grill is now a fun game and cause their focus to intensify.

In this case, it’s best to put your grill in a spot that’s inaccessible to kids or use things like baby gates and furniture to block it from their reach. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to toddlers and babies!

3. Clean Your Grill

Every grill needs to be cleaned. Charcoal grills should be cleaned after every use. Gas grills and gas grill accessories also need to be cleaned periodically. All the food you grill causes fat deposits to build up over time. These deposits can ignite, causing dangerous and scorching flare-ups.

4. Place the Grill Away From Foot Traffic

At BBQ parties with kids, there’s always plenty of chaos with kids running around, playing games, and parents chasing after them. Keep your grill far from areas where people will be hanging out and having a good time together.

5. Safeguard Your Matches and Lighters

It doesn’t take long for kids to become interested in fire and what it can do. You’ll probably also have no idea what fire safety precautions have been taught to children of guests.

The best policy is to use your matches or a lighter to light your grill and then place them far out of reach of children. It’s also a good idea to teach your children to report to you about any matches or lighters they find, or when other children are using them.

6. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby

Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher that is charged, properly inspected, and ready for use. Keep it within quick reach while you’re grilling.

A fire caused by grease build-up should not be put out using water, as it can cause an explosion. Therefore, a fire extinguisher is a necessary tool when grilling. Fire can also be easily spread to nearby structures. A fire extinguisher may not only save your children but your home as well.

7. Keep Sharp Items Out of Reach

When grilling around kids, you don’t only have to worry about fire and burns but sharp objects causing harm as well. Grill forks and skewers should be kept hidden or placed high up, away from the reach of children. And don’t bring out the steak knives until they are ready to be handed to responsible adults.

8. Don’t Grill With Loose Clothing

Part of grilling around children should also include providing them with model behavior that will help them in the future when it’s their turn to be the grill master. Teach your children the dangers of wearing loose clothing when grilling or around campfires. Loose clothing can easily catch fire and spread very quickly to one’s entire body.

Grilling around kids can be scary, but following these tips should help your BBQ party run smoothly and safely. Happy grilling this season!