The weather is warming up which means more time outside with family and friends. But some of the things we love most about summer can hide serious dangers. Follow these important safety tips from Consumer and Business Services (CBS) so your family can remember this summer for all the right reasons.

BBQ safety

Barbecued food is delicious and best enjoyed outdoors. But while barbecue brushes help keep your grill clean, damaged or worn brushes can turn a great meal into a real hazard. No one wants a sharp pain in their throat after dinner, a trip to the emergency room and finding out a tiny wire from a BBQ brush is the culprit.

To avoid a BBQ meal disaster, check the grill for loose bristles before and after cooking, and check BBQ brushes regularly. Dispose of any damaged brushes, and it’s a good idea to replace your brush each year. Alternatively, consider using a bristle-free cleaner to eliminate the risk of loose bristles getting into your food and being swallowed by you or your dinner guests.

Christmas toys

If you’ll be giving toys to little ones this Christmas, check that gifts are age appropriate and don’t pose choking hazards.

Many toys and Christmas novelties that light up or make sound are battery-operated, often requiring button or coin batteries. These tiny batteries can be deadly if swallowed, so if you’ve purchased toys containing button or coin batteries, make sure the battery compartment is secured – such as with a screw - and can’t be easily opened by children.

If swallowed or inserted, button and coin batteries can cause severe injury within 2 hours, and this can be fatal. If you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery, immediately call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

Let’s keep button and coin batteries safely away from children this summer, and always.

Portable pools

If you’ll be spending time with grandchildren over the summer and planning to keep them cool with a portable pool, take some important precautions. Be aware that drowning or permanent brain damage can happen in a small pool with just a few centimetres of water.

Actively supervise kids when playing in or near water, and young children must be kept within arm’s reach at all times.

Empty and pack away portable pools when you’re not using them, so there’s no risk of them filling with rainwater or a nearby sprinkler.

If you’re looking to buy a new blow-up pool, make sure it complies with the mandatory standard for portable pools.

If you have a bigger pool at your place, check age and weight restrictions for aquatic toys to make sure the products are appropriate. And remember that while inflatable unicorns, doughnuts and other pool toys are fun, don’t let them give you or your grandchildren a false sense of security. Pool toys and flotation aids are for fun, not safety. Supervision is key.

More summer safety tips

For more safety tips see the summer safety page on the CBS website.

To check if a product has been recalled, visit Product Safety Australia.

Please report unsafe products to CBS via the contact us online reporting tool or phone 131 882.