WITH THE FLICK OF A MATCH - BARBECUES CAN SWITCH FROM GOOD FOOD TO BAD MOOD

  • Published
  • By Will Harding
  • 17th Services
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  It's the weekend, and you're basking in the sun on your patio. In one hand, you're holding a cool drink; in the other a spatula. A couple of juicy steaks are sizzling on the grill, and you're savoring the smell of the flavorful smoke as it drifts past your nose.

Have you thought about safety yet?

You should. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, warm-weather activities such as hosting a barbecue led to product-related injuries for more than 4 million people in 2006.

When it comes to barbecuing, burns are always near the top of the injury list and can quickly ruin an outing.

In one recent incident with a propane grill, a man tried to light the burner, but it was slow to ignite. He leaned over to get a closer look at what the problem was. By then enough of the propane gas had accumulated, and he ended up with a face full of fire. The burst of flame singed his eyebrows and hair.

In a recent charcoal grill mishap, two men discovered they had forgotten the lighter fluid. They brainstormed, and one of them suggested using gasoline instead. They sloppily poured the gasoline on the charcoal, spilling some of the highly flammable fluid on the ground and splashing some on one of the man's clothing and shoes. They threw on a match, and the ensuing scene was chaos. The exploding gasoline cost both men some of their eyebrows and hair, and one of the men's clothing caught on fire. In an attempt to snuff out the flames, he dropped to the ground, which ignited the other spilled petro. In the end, both escaped with only minor burns, and a new memo to add to their "don't" list: Don't cook with gasoline.

While barbecuing mishaps can and do occur, here's the good news: With just a few simple, precautionary steps, you'll be well on your way to ensuring a safe cookout, every time. After all, what's more important than having the peace of mind to enjoy the real fun at any barbecue -- the food, family and friends?