Grills and Safety Skills

Soon we’ll be talking about getting back to school. But today, we’re talking summer barbecues!

Who doesn’t love cooking up (and eating) something good on the grill? Preparing, cooking, and eating food are all great times to share learning moments with your child. 

Maybe next time you sit down for dinner, you ask your child about where things are. Can they identify the plate? The fork? Can they describe what a piece of fruit feels or looks like? And as you prep for the bbq, chat with your kiddo about the recipe’s ingredients.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 7 out of 10 adults in the U.S. own a grill or a smoker. The popularity of grilling comes as no surprise to most, but what is shocking is that between 2014 and 2018, fire departments were deployed to over an average of 8,900 homes each year due to fires involving grills. That’s a lot. So, what can we do to keep our families safe?

Safe Kids Worldwide has a few suggestions:

  • Keep the grill/smoker away from things that could catch fire, like the side of the house, the deck, trees and tree branches, just to name a few potential hot spots

  • Create a “kid-free zone” around the grill–keep kids (and pets) at least three feet away from the grill by establishing it as a no-go zone for playing games, horsing around, or hanging out

  • Keep your grill clean by removing any grease buildup, and if you’re using a smoker be sure to keep up with any build up or mess

  • Do not leave the grill unattended–this is the number one reason the fires occur

  • If you’re using lighter fluid to get the grill going, be extremely careful and never add fluid to a grill that’s already lit

  • Grilling is meant for outside, so keep it that way–never grill indoors, including garages or tents, because of the possibility of fires or carbon monoxide buildup


There’s a lot to enjoy when it comes to grilling with the fam. By taking these suggestions into consideration, “baby-proofing” your bbq setup and keeping animal friends safe from any bones or other potential hazards, you and your child can enjoy all the learning moments associated with a fun day in front of the grill.

Matt Whitman