Many people go to the BBQ with their family members and friends. I know that it can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a recipe for disaster. Here are some safety tips that everyone should know before they head out to the backyard for a cookout.

1) Make Sure You Can See and Reach Everything: Before you get started, ensure that all your guests have checked off where everything is located. This includes items like mowing equipment, fuel storage containers, and propane tanks in case of an emergency power outage or other problems at this time. If you have uninvited guests and they want to join your party, tell them that they need to come back later.

2) Keep a Fire Extinguisher Ready: Smoke detectors should be working and tested, but not all families are able to afford them. It is still important to have a fire extinguisher handy in case a fire does start. This will allow you to put out the flames and possibly save your BBQ from being totally destroyed. Make sure everyone in the family knows how to use it as well as where it is located. It is also a good idea to have a fire hose as well to get the flames under control.

3) Everyone on the Team: It is important that not just one person handles these safety items, but the entire family. This will ensure everyone knows what they need to do in case of an emergency. Talk with your family and make sure everyone understands the importance of these items and wants to help out. If not, then you may want to think about hiring a babysitter or bringing your friends along to ensure that everything goes according to plan.

4) Be a Good Guest: If people do arrive at your house unexpectedly, it is important to make sure that they know how to get in, have a good time and leave when they are done. Everyone's BBQ experience should include having fun and being respectful. It is also wise to let the host know that you will be showing up later so they don't leave before the end of their party. Unless the host has made other plans then it would be rude and inconsiderate to show up at their house late.

5) Safety on the Grill: When using your Weber grill, make sure that it is completely cleaned out inside and out with both tools and ashes removed before use. If you do not have a gas hose, then it is best to make sure that the grill is empty before using.

6) Check the Weather: Make sure that your forecast includes the weather that you plan on having the BBQ. This will ensure that you have enough time to take proper precautions and in case there are any changes in plans.

7) Know Your BBQ Hardware: The outside temperature should be 45 degrees or higher (Fahrenheit). If it is below 50 degrees, then it is best to lay down a layer of charcoal briquettes so that they will heat up faster when cooking. If there is a chance of rain, then consider using indirect heat.

8) Clean Up: Make sure that there are no other guests in the area at the time of your party, and that your guests have cleaned up before leaving. If for any reason, there is a problem with another guest and they end up getting hurt, you may want to consider taking legal action.

10) Enjoy: Make sure to enjoy everything about the BBQ before you go back inside. Plan on having fun and enjoy your family and friends when they get together so that you can have a good time as well.

Having your own BBQ can be a whole lot of fun, but you need to make sure that you are safe when using it and taking care of the needs of your guests. By following these safety tips, you will be able to do a good job owning it as well as keeping everyone around happy and healthy. The fun and joy of having a BBQ will be that much more enjoyable when you have taken the proper steps to insure that everyone will go home safe and sound.