Planning on doing some grilling by the pool this summer? Read on for tips to keep all the swimmers and grillers in your family safe this summer
When it gets hot, we know everyone likes to head to the nearest pool to cool off! But water safety is a serious issue, so be sure to keep these tips in mind while you enjoy your aquatic activities!
- Never leave a child unattended near water
- Always watch your child when they are in the water
- Teach children basic water safety tips
- Have emergency contact information handy
- If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first
- Install a fence at least four feet tall around your pool with a gate that is self-closing and self-locking
- Consider installing pool and gate alarms to alert you when children go near the water
- Enroll children over the age of three in swimming lessons
- Learn to perform CPR on children and adults, and get re-certified regularly
Grilling is another delicious part of summer that requires some additional safety precautions. The months of June and July are the peak months for grilling fires, and although grilling isn’t inherently dangerous, extra precaution should always be used when working around an open flame.
- Be careful when handling or transporting propane gas tanks, and never store one in your home
- Check your grill for any broken parts or rust before use and take care of anything that needs attention
- When using lighter fluid, don’t add any more after the fire has been ignited
- Use long-handled utensils and long matches to avoid burning yourself
- If using any electric accessories, make sure they are properly grounded
- Keep your grill outside and away from your home, and place it on a stable surface away from high-traffic areas
- Barbecue in a well-ventilated area away from overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves, or brush
- While grilling, wear clothing that does not have strings, frills, or any loose hanging components
- Have a fire extinguisher handy, and keep fire under control by raising the grid that the food is on, spreading coals evenly, or use controls to lower the temperature
- Never leave a lit grill unattended or try to move it
We hope these tips keep you safe this BBQ season! If you want to start putting these tips to good use, check out this month’s healthy eats recipe for a how-to-guide on grilled pizza.
