Our neighborhood is full of stupid kids, even stupider dogs and no back yard fences, and while none of them have yet knocked over a cooking smoker, I wouldn't put it past them, so I've never cooked while not being both present and at least semi-conscious. This is also probably why I stay up all night during competitions...BBQ paranoia. However, if you're in a decent neighborhood or have a fenced yard, I'd say go for it.