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I never turn down a barbecue invitation; there’s nothing more fun than grilling outdoors. At the same time, I’m always the first one to shoo the kids away from the grill. (Yes, I am that mom.)
What do you need to know about barbecuing with kids around? First, never leave the grill unattended, of course. And these five quick safety tips.
- Keep an eye on your kids. They should never be anywhere near your grill, the utensils you’ve used to grill or the lighters you’ve used to light it, says Beverly Losman, director of Safe Kids Georgia.
- Be prepared. That means reading the instruction manual and all safety warnings before you light the grill.
- Watch the heat. Keep in mind that the grill will stay hot long after you’ve finished cooking, so keep kids far from the grill for the entirety of the barbecue.
- Avoid choking hazards. Before serving hot dogs to kids, cut them lengthwise. This alters the dangerous round shape of the hot dog that can block a youngster’s throat.
- Make sure equipment is safely stowed. Even when the grill is off, be sure to keep it covered and latched closed to protect your child from the propane tank or any other chemicals you might be using.
What are your best summer-barbecue ideas for kids? Chime in below!
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