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News / Life / Food

Keep summer cookouts safe

By Paul F. P. Pogue, Ask Angi
Published: June 17, 2023, 6:08am

The late spring and summer months herald an excellent time for outdoor entertaining and fun cookouts. But nothing ruins a good time faster than injuries or damage. Follow these summer safety tips to ensure a happy and danger-free experience.

1. Keep a fire extinguisher handy

If you’re using any fire outside, including a grill, fire pit, tiki torches or anything else with flames, you want a fire extinguisher nearby and ready to use. Make sure it’s in an easily accessible place and that everyone in the family knows where it is and how to use it. Check the pressure gauge regularly and recharge or replace it as needed. Never leave a burning fire unattended; sparks and fire can spread quickly when you’re not looking.

2. Maintain good outdoor lighting

Ensure your outdoor lighting is in good shape and keeps the area well-lit. Not only is it safer, but it also contributes to a more inviting environment.

3. Stay safe around water

If you have a pool, you probably already know these rules, but it’s also essential to stay safe around koi ponds, fountains or other outdoor water features. A small child can drown in as little as one inch of water, so you should take this seriously. Install fencing around water features and consider adding an alarm that will sound if something or someone falls into the water.

4. Be cautious with electricity

Outdoor electrical features such as televisions, sound systems and other entertainment devices have become popular in recent years. Ensure that any electricity you use outside is up to code. All outdoor outlets should be GFCI outlets, which include built-in circuit breakers to shut off in the event of a surge. Installing conduits and wiring outdoors – for example, to power outdoor lights – requires complex specifications for safety. Unless you are experienced with electrical code, leave outdoor wiring to the professionals.

5. Keep yourself and your family healthy

Don’t overlook the basics. Wear sunscreen during the daytime and use bug spray to keep away annoying or stinging pests. Keep a first aid kit handy in the event of unexpected injury.

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