Don't Get Burned! NewYork-Presbyterian Offers Backyard Barbecue Safety Tips

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Dermatology
Article Date: 08 Jun 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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Take extra care at your Fourth of July celebration to ensure that accidents do not interfere with holiday fun. Dr. Roger Yurt, director of the Hearst Burn Center of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, recommends the following safety tips for barbecues and fireworks:

If you are planning to barbecue:

-- If you're using a propane gas grill, inspect your propane tank and hoses for leaks, dents, cracks or corrosion.

-- Always light the match before turning on the propane gas.

-- Never use your grill indoors or under any structures that may catch fire, such as patio covers.

-- Never smoke cigarettes or use matches or lighters near the grill.

-- If you're using a charcoal grill, use water to make sure that coals are extinguished and be careful never to dispose of briquettes that are still hot.

-- Avoid loose clothing while grilling, especially long sleeves.

-- Parental supervision is essential -- keep all children away from the grill.

Fireworks add festivity to a Fourth of July celebration, but a public fireworks display is safer and more dazzling than trying to do it yourself. Keep in mind that:

-- Fireworks and sparklers should be handled by trained professionals. Sparklers can get as hot as 1,200 degrees!

-- Stay at least 500 feet away from the display.

-- Remind children that if they find used fireworks or sparklers -- do not touch!

-- www.med.cornell.edu
-- www.nyp.org