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4. Sizzle Safely this Australia Day

Sizzle Safely this Australia Day

Thousands of us will be celebrating Australia Day next Tuesday by getting out the barbie and enjoying good food and great weather with family and friends.

Make sure you stay safe this summer by following NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) barbecue safety advice.

Remember - gas, solid fuel (wood or heat bead) and electric barbeques can be dangerous if not properly used and maintained.

Firefighters were recently called to a house fire in the eastern suburbs which started when heat beads used on a barbeque weren't extinguished properly and reignited under a wooden deck.  Luckily no one was injured but the house was severely damaged.

Simple precautions and a little bit of planning and care will help you avoid accidents.

Here are some top tips to follow when using your barbeque: 

• Make sure you comply with fire restrictions in your area, for example Total Fire Ban days
  
• Service and maintain your barbecue correctly
  
• Set up your barbecue in a well ventilated area on a firm, level base sheltered from the wind and away from garden sheds and fences
  
• Have a supply of water close by and if possible a fire extinguisher as well
  
• Check cylinders for rust or damage and make sure connections are clear and fit properly before lighting
  
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the correct start up and shut down procedures
  
• Never put flammable liquid onto a barbeque
  
• If a gas leak occurs and it is safe to do so, shut off the cylinder immediately and allow any gas to disperse
  
• After use make sure the gas is turned off at the cylinder
  
• Ring Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
  

Barbeque Fire Safety and Total Fire Bans factsheets can be obtained from NSWFB fire stations or downloaded from this website.