Grill Safety
July is National Grilling Month. Along with the good times with family and friends, please be sure to follow a few grill safety rules to ensure a good time and good memories for everyone.
First, keep the grill area safe. Be sure to keep children and pets well away from the grill until it is completely cool. Of course, we all like to roast marshmallows to conclude the evening, but please be sure all of the youngsters are well supervised to prevent any mishaps.
Grills should always be positioned away from the house and any other objects. Although serious grill accidents are rather rare, nationally there are approximately 7,900 home fires a year involving grilling. A large percentage of these incidents are from propane grills, so be sure to inspect the tank, hoses, and location of your propane grill.
Next, be sure to handle food safely while grilling. Food safety is just as important when grilling as when in the kitchen. In fact, it is important to be even more careful during hot weather and using outdoor surfaces. Take great care in handling poultry and other meats, including keeping them separate from other foods and making sure they are fully cooked prior to serving.
Lastly, be sure there are plenty of clean utensils and platters available outside near the grill. Never use the same utensils or platters for serving food that you used in preparing the food. Use paper products only once, and wash hands well before eating.
Grilling is great summer fun, brings families and friends together, and has many traditions and recipes that are passed along from generation to generation. Please be sure to follow a few safety rules so that the fun can continue all summer long.