Keep your family safe and enjoy a safe barbecue season

North Bay Fire & Emergency Services
News Release

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Warm temperatures are hopefully here to stay and with that comes the barbeque season.

“There’s something appealing about cooking your meal on a barbeque and enjoying a social gathering with family and friends,” said Ted McCullough, North Bay Fire Chief. “However, it is imperative that residents take the time to ensure all parts of the barbeque are operating properly prior to the start of the barbeque season.”

North Bay Fire and Emergency Services would like residents to follow these safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable barbecue season:

• Test all connections and hoses for leaks by using a 50/50 solution of soap and water. Rising bubbles when you turn on the valve indicate a leak. Do not use matches, lighters or a flame to check for leaks.

• Clean all components thoroughly: grease accumulations, dirt, insect nests and spider webs can catch fire.

• Replace worn and rusted parts.

• Barbeque outside in a well ventilated area at least 1 m away from any building or combustibles and a minimum distance of 3 m from any source of ignition. Position the barbeque so it is not directly underneath an overhang or other combustible material.

• When lighting the grill, always have the lid open. Open the valve at the cylinder, then turn on the barbeque controls and light the burner. If using a match, light the match before you turn on the gas at the grill controls.

• Transport a propane cylinder safely by placing it in a secure, upright position with the safety valve on top. It is preferable to transport it on the floor of the passenger compartment. Ensure vehicle windows are open.

• Follow the manufacture’s instructions before using or repairing your barbeque.

Never leave the barbeque unattended and keep children a safe distance away as the barbeque surface is hot and can cause severe burns. Remember, keep matches, lighters and barbeque lighters away from children.

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