Don't Get Burned! Backyard Barbecue Safety Tips

NEW YORK (Jun 1, 2007)

Take extra care at your Fourth of July celebration to ensure that accidents do not interfere with holiday fun. Dr. Roger Yurt, director of the Hearst Burn Center of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, recommends the following safety tips for barbecues and fireworks:

If you are planning to barbecue:

If you're using a propane gas grill, inspect your propane tank and hoses for leaks, dents, cracks or corrosion.
Always light the match before turning on the propane gas.
Never use your grill indoors or under any structures that may catch fire, such as patio covers.
Never smoke cigarettes or use matches or lighters near the grill.
If you're using a charcoal grill, use water to make sure that coals are extinguished and be careful never to dispose of briquettes that are still hot.
Avoid loose clothing while grilling, especially long sleeves.
Parental supervision is essential—keep all children away from the grill.

Fireworks add festivity to a Fourth of July celebration, but a public fireworks display is safer and more dazzling than trying to do it yourself. Keep in mind that:

Fireworks and sparklers should be handled by trained professionals. Sparklers can get as hot as 1,200 degrees!
Stay at least 500 feet away from the display.
Remind children that if they find used fireworks or sparklers—do not touch!