What Are the Best Ways to Barbecue Safely?

As seen in the July/August 2019 issue of Advancing Care.

Outdoor cooking is fun, but beware: Grills, hibachis and barbecues can lead to critical injuries or even death.

“Remember the 10-foot rule: Use cooking devices at least 10 feet away from structures, deck railings and overhanging branches,” says Joseph R. Turkowski, MD, Chief of Burn Surgery at Westchester Medical Center, the flagship of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth). Also, keep sunscreen, insect repellent and cooking accelerants away from the heat, to avoid a blowtorch-flame hazard.

“Shrapnel injuries from propane tank explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning can ruin a casual summer evening,” he says. “Know your grill and keep the instructions handy to help enhance safety.”

Also, remember to degrease your cooking space regularly, to avoid flammable buildup, and eliminate leaks by ensuring that valve connections are intact. To minimize the hazard, “keep a garden hose, baking soda and a bucket of sand handy to prevent grill issues from turning into tragedies,” Dr. Turkowski adds.

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