Safety around the braai

A BRAAI should be a safe and enjoyable experience but it’s all too easy to be distracted when you have friends and family around you while cooking.

To avoid injuries or damage to property, follow these simple precautions:

• Ensure the braai is on a flat site, well away from fences, trees or overhanging shrubs.
• Never leave young children unattended in the vicinity of a hot braai, and don’t let them play close by.
• Never leave the braai unattended and don’t try to move it while it’s lit.

ALSO READ: How to zhoosh up your braai spot

• If it’s windy, ensure the wind is blowing away from you when you light the braai.
• Loose fitting, flowing clothing is a hazard as it can be blown over the flames and ignite.
• Don’t use flammable accelerants, such as paraffin or petrol.
• Have a fire extinguisher or the garden hose handy or close by in the event of a serious flare-up. But if it’s a grease fire DO NOT use water as it will spread the grease and flare up.
• Don’t put ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin – if they are still even slightly hot, they’ll melt the plastic and cause a fire.

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