It's a Great Weekend for a Barbecue...And Some Cookout Safety Tips!
Who doesn't love a barbecue? One of summer's most unique delights is a big outdoor barbecue, where family and friends can gather around, chatting with icy cold drinks in hand and awaiting the mouthwatering treats that emerge from the grill's smoky goodness. With summer in full swing, the smell of burgers on a grill is in the air everywhere. And often where there's a barbecue, there are kids running around, very near the grill. At Safety4Kids we love outdoor fun as much as anyone--we just want to be sure that everyone stays safe!
One of my fondest memories from summer camp involves a big fire around which we gathered as a celebration at the end of the summer, singing corny camp songs and chomping into ooey gooey chocolate-slathered marshmallows matched beautifully by the crunch of graham crackers. Ah, the joy of s'mores!
If your child will be at a cookout or campfire this summer, either at home or at a friend's house or away at camp, there are a few important tips for you as a parent to keep in mind and to share with them. The goal is to make sure that food is the only thing that's cooked!
First, neither adults nor children should stand too close to a grill or a campfire except for the person(s) doing the actual grilling. Someone could get burned, inhale too much smoke, or have their clothes catch on fire. It is essential that you tell your children to keep a healthy distance from the fire, and that you keep an eye on them at all times.
If anyone's clothes do catch on fire, remember to STOP, DROP, and ROLL. Our friends at the American Academy of Pediatrics define this maneuver as:
STOP! in your tracks--DO NOT RUN.
DROP! to the ground right where you are.
ROLL over to put out the flames. Cover your face with your hands.
Then cool the burned area with water and call for help. This is an easy thing to teach your children and it could save their lives.
There should also be plenty of water around the grill or the campfire, to keep everyone properly hydrated, and also in case clothes (or people) need to be doused.
The adults building the campfire should keep it small and build it where it will not spread, away from dry grass and leaves.
Remind your children to never touch or play with lighters or matches. If they see matches or lighters, they should tell an adult right away.
Finally, children should be told never to play with or light fireworks (which of course should not be sitting around where they can be accessed by a child in the first place).
Now, having said all that, go out and enjoy your family barbecue! Or your campfire. We all know that enjoying life and staying safe go hand in hand.
For more tips and for fun interactive games that you can play with your child to teach them about fire safety, go to the website of the U.S. Fire Administration for Kids.
(c) iStock International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
One of my fondest memories from summer camp involves a big fire around which we gathered as a celebration at the end of the summer, singing corny camp songs and chomping into ooey gooey chocolate-slathered marshmallows matched beautifully by the crunch of graham crackers. Ah, the joy of s'mores!
If your child will be at a cookout or campfire this summer, either at home or at a friend's house or away at camp, there are a few important tips for you as a parent to keep in mind and to share with them. The goal is to make sure that food is the only thing that's cooked!
First, neither adults nor children should stand too close to a grill or a campfire except for the person(s) doing the actual grilling. Someone could get burned, inhale too much smoke, or have their clothes catch on fire. It is essential that you tell your children to keep a healthy distance from the fire, and that you keep an eye on them at all times.If anyone's clothes do catch on fire, remember to STOP, DROP, and ROLL. Our friends at the American Academy of Pediatrics define this maneuver as:
STOP! in your tracks--DO NOT RUN.
DROP! to the ground right where you are.
ROLL over to put out the flames. Cover your face with your hands.
Then cool the burned area with water and call for help. This is an easy thing to teach your children and it could save their lives.
There should also be plenty of water around the grill or the campfire, to keep everyone properly hydrated, and also in case clothes (or people) need to be doused.
The adults building the campfire should keep it small and build it where it will not spread, away from dry grass and leaves.
Remind your children to never touch or play with lighters or matches. If they see matches or lighters, they should tell an adult right away.
Finally, children should be told never to play with or light fireworks (which of course should not be sitting around where they can be accessed by a child in the first place).
Now, having said all that, go out and enjoy your family barbecue! Or your campfire. We all know that enjoying life and staying safe go hand in hand.
For more tips and for fun interactive games that you can play with your child to teach them about fire safety, go to the website of the U.S. Fire Administration for Kids.
(c) iStock International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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