West Midlands heating firm backs summer BBQ safety campaign

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23/08/2016
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A West Midlands-based heating firm is encouraging homeowners across the region to think about barbecue safety this summer.

Based at Castle Vale Enterprise Park, in Birmingham, HomeServe Coventry and Solihull is supporting a drive by Gas Safe Register to raise awareness of the carbon monoxide risks associated with charcoal barbecues.

Steven Keenan, Managing Director of HomeServe Coventry and Solihull, said: “For many people, summer is all about barbecues in the sunshine with friends and family and we want to help raise awareness for homeowners right across the region so they can enjoy the sunny weather and stay safe when they’re lighting the coals.

“There’s very little awareness of the fact that charcoal barbecues can pose a risk of carbon monoxide if the right precautions aren’t taken. That’s why we’re supporting Gas Safe Register by promoting some useful BBQ safety tips and encouraging local residents to take the right safety measures this summer.”

The six tips below have been provided by Gas Safe Register to help people enjoy their barbecues and stay safe at the same time:

  1. Avoid taking a smouldering or lit BBQ into a tent, caravan or cabin. Even if you’ve finished cooking, your BBQ can still give off fumes, so it’s a good idea to keep it outside.
  2. Never use a BBQ inside.
  3. Always ensure you can see your lit BBQ – don’t leave it lit whilst sleeping.
  4. The cooking area should be well away from your tent, cabin or caravan, and always ensure there is an adequate supply of fresh air.
  5. Use your BBQ in accordance with the operating instructions.
  6. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning - headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, collapse and loss of consciousness.

For more tips or information about barbecue safety from Gas Safe Register, visit: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/seasonal-advice/bbq-safety/

For more details about HomeServe Coventry and Solihull, visit www.homeservecovsolihull.co.uk, or follow the company on Facebook www.facebook.com/homeservecovsolihull or Twitter @hscovsolihull.