Grilling, but safely!
Barbecues are a great experience for the whole family, but the use of alcohol and other liquid accelerants can lead to serious barbecue accidents. Children are especially vulnerable. Due to their smaller size, they often suffer extensive body burns and extremely traumatic psychological injuries.
The Association of Insured Persons makes it clear that people who use alcohol for grilling or fail to prevent the use of liquid accelerants are liable in the event of an accident (according to the Higher Regional Court of Hamm, case number: 9 U 129/08). Adelheid Gottwald, chairwoman of the Paulinchen eV initiative, emphasizes: "Barbecue accidents involving accelerants are extremely serious, as the high walls of flames spread over a large area, especially for children who are at eye level with the grill. Unfortunately, those grilling are often unaware of the serious consequences that the use of alcohol can have." Dr. Ingo Königs, a pediatric surgeon from Hamburg and board member of the "Child Suffering from Severe Burns" working group, explains: "Every year, we see children in the hospital with severe burn injuries following grilling accidents." He urges: "Be aware of the danger and protect yourself and others! Grilling accidents are 100% preventable."
Tips for safe grilling:
• Place the grill in a safe place and protected from the wind.
• Never use liquid accelerants such as spirit or petrol – neither for lighting nor for adding fuel – risk of explosion!
• Use solid, tested barbecue lighters from specialist retailers.
• Always supervise the grill.
• Do not allow children near the grill – keep a safe distance of 2 to 3 meters!
• Do not allow children to operate or light the grill.
• Have a bucket of sand, fire extinguisher or fire blanket ready to extinguish the barbecue fire.
• Never extinguish burning fat with water, but rather by covering it.
• After grilling, continue to supervise the grill until the embers have cooled down completely.
• Do not grill in enclosed spaces and never bring the grill into the house to cool down – risk of poisoning!
• Never bury hot embers in the sand after barbecuing on the beach – the coals will stay glowing hot for days – children often suffer serious burns from crawling, stepping or falling into the embers.
• Extinguish disposable barbecues on the beach with water and cool them down – including the sand under the barbecue!
Spread the word! The more people actively participate in awareness-raising efforts, the fewer barbecue accidents there will be. The prevention film from Paulinchen eV provides clear tips for safe barbecues. Everyone is called upon to warn their friends and family about this often underestimated danger.
