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Barbecue safety tips

Many people choose to make the most of the warmer weather that summer brings and use portable barbecues on Southsea Common and the beach. To ensure that the seafront remains safe for everybody, particularly young children, we have produced a handout offering fundamental safety tips. The Community Wardens will be handing these out whilst patrolling the area to raise awareness of the potential dangers of hot remains from barbecues and that correct disposal will help to leave the seafront clean and pleasant for others to enjoy.

If you are thinking of using a barbecue, please bear in mind the following :

Setting up
Make sure you have a secure, level base. Please help to protect the area by using a stand or by raising the BBQ off the grass with some bricks. Ensure your BBQ is well away from fire risks such as hedges.

Lighting
Always light the BBQ with the recommended lighters - never use petrol or similar highly volatile fuel. If you are using a gas BBQ and you suspect a leak, turn it off immediately.

Cooking
Make sure your food is cooked thoroughly - the biggest risk of food poisoning is from raw and undercooked meat.

Put it out
There are water standpipes available for your convenience on Southsea Common. Please use water to carefully extinguish your BBQ and be cautious of the steam this may create.

Disposal
There are plenty of litter bins nearby for your rubbish. Please ensure that your BBQ is fully extinguished and cold before disposal as warm coals can cause burns or a fire.

Keep young ones and pets safe
We want children to be able to play safely - please keep them, pets and ball games well away from the BBQ at all times.

Only set up in suitable, safe areas and never leave barbecues unattended.

If you have a barbecue on the beach, please ensure hot coals and stones are thoroughly cooled with seawater, as there will be other users walking barefoot.

The First Aid Centre can be found at the Lifeguard Centre by the Rock Gardens on the Promenade (between The Pyramids and South Parade Pier).

You can download a copy of the handout, which has a map showing the water standpipe locations, using the link below. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Community Wardens on 0800 085 3840.

Associated documents:

  Barbecue Safety Tips  (0.46 MB)