Burns most commonly occur when handling grilling equipment with an open flame, touching or spilling hot coals, or a hot grill surface. Children and pets are particularly at risk because they may unexpectedly run near the grill. Additionally, using flammable liquids, such as lighter fluid or gasoline, can cause unexpected explosions and fire spread.
For safe grilling, follow these tips:
- If you plan to grill, inform all household members. It is easy to overlook that the grill is hot and its surface and sides are heated.
- Place the grill in a stable and well-ventilated area, out of reach of children and pets.
- It is highly advisable to secure the grill against tipping over, for example, with a chain or partially embedding it into the ground. If the grill has wheels, secure them against accidental movement with a wedge or brake.
- When handling the grill, use protective gloves and long tools to minimize the risk of contact with hot surfaces.
- Never use flammable liquids or solid fire starters on an already lit fire!
- Be careful when carrying finished dishes to the table. Hot juice from meat or dripping fat can cause unpleasant burns. Especially check that there are no forgotten toys of your children on the ground that you might trip over on your way to the table.
- An unused grill remains hot for several hours after grilling. Secure its area against accidental contact by children or pets.
- If grilling with children, closely monitor their movements. From their perspective and height, the world looks completely different than yours. Additionally, direct flames or splattering fat can aim directly at their face and cause serious injury.
- Never place hot containers, hot liquids, and especially not hot fat on the ground.
- If using a gas grill, never lean over the burners when lighting and do not light the grill in an enclosed space. Close the gas bottle or gas supply immediately after grilling. Do not let children light the flame, and liquid or solid fire starters do not belong in children’s hands at all.
Buy a charity potholder and support a good cause
By using this kitchen glove, you will protect your hands from burns and you will also support the Burn Medicine Clinic of the Královské Vinohrady University Hospital in Prague. Its mission is the treatment and prevention of burns.
