Canada Day and other outdoor gatherings with friends and family define summer. Firepits and BBQs make excellent gathering places and meals for these occasions, but they need to be used with safety in mind, especially with kids around. To help keep your Canada Day celebrations festive, here are some methods for teaching kids firepit and grill safety along with some essential safety tips for yourself.
Teaching Young Children about BBQs and FirePits
It’s impossible to supervise children at every moment, especially if you are having a large Canada Day gathering. As parents and adults, we want to give children the ability to stay safe without always needing our supervision. Young children are insatiably curious, and they’ll be naturally drawn to ask questions about the firepit everyone gathers around or that hot metal at the center of your outdoor kitchen. Embrace that interest as an opportunity to teach them about firepits, BBQs, and general fire safety. While the firepit or BBQ is off, show them the various parts and explain how they work and what they are for. This can also be a good opportunity for you to renew or refine your own knowledge about either device.
Explaining how either your firepit or BBQ work is also an excellent time to introduce your child to fire safety. Use the children’s interest in firepits or BBQs to explain the uses and risks of fire. Explain the importance of keeping a safe distance, why you use gloves or other safety equipment, and the proper precautions they should follow when either is being used. Teach them the importance of “stop, drop, and roll.” This last one can easily become a fun demonstration and lesson to practice. Fun is key, especially for younger children. The lesson needs to be happy, comfortable, and engaging rather than an intimidating or terrifying lecture. This knowledge is to keep them safe. You want children to develop a respect and safe interest in the firepits and grill, not fear.
Teaching Your Kids to Get Involved
As children get older, around the age of 8, they gain some independence and responsibility. While they can’t yet be left in charge of tending the fire or flipping burgers, they can help watch the BBQs temperature, provide some wood to the fire, or turn on/off the burners. They can also help clean or help prepare the fire.
As children reach their teens, you can start teaching them how to tend the fire and let them help with grilling. It’s also a good time to provide lessons on how to properly build and light fires. Soon enough, they’ll be starting the fire themselves and grilling dinner as they get older. These lessons will then become fond memories as you watch your children teach your grandchildren the same lessons you once showed them.
Some Other Safety Tips for Kids
Even with the most careful of children, accidents can happen. To reduce the risks and keep your holidays and Canada Day safe, follow these other safety tips.
Adult Supervision
Children should never be put in charge of a firepit or BBQ, permitted to play around either, or left near an active one unattended without adult supervision. Be sure to always monitor children in these areas. If you cannot, ensure another responsible adult is watching the firepit or grill area to keep kids safe.
No-Play Zones
While a backyard can feel like a child’s haven, adults can also direct children away from certain areas to reduce their risk of injury. For example, you can keep your grill off to the side in its own designated area. Children will be less likely to encounter it while playing and running around. Many will also visually understand that it is an adult-only area. Similarly, marking the firepit as a “no-play” zone or creating a visible “safety circle” will help keep children from running and playing around flames. You can also place surrounding seats or other furniture around either the BBQ or firepit to create seating areas. These objects will also serve as physical obstacles to their running and playing. Plus, they’ll be where the “boring adults” spend their time, ensuring supervision.
Keeping the Pit and Grill Clean
BBQs and firepits both operate safely when they are kept clean. Be sure to regularly clean any grills or firepits in your backyard. This will benefit not only the safety of children who may be near these devices but also any adults!
Firepit and Grill Safety for Kids Starts with Your Preparation
Every child, backyard, and situation is unique. In every instance, you should always practice your best judgment and carry out the necessary precautions for your guests of every age. Plan accordingly and mitigate every possible safety risk specific to that occasion. We also always recommend reviewing your manual for all safety requirements and guidelines.
The Tradition of Safety
These general tips should help keep Canada Day and other occasions this summer safe for children enjoying your backyard. Remember, firepits and BBQs are a key part of summer, so these are valuable lessons and formative experiences for your children. You’ll build a family tradition of safety, as your own kids will continue to practice and one day pass these lessons on. If you’re looking to add a firepit or BBQ to your backyard or want to discuss other fire safety tips, be sure to contact or visit us at Classic Fireplace.