8 Grilling Safety Tips For Family Cookouts

We love to grill, especially during the hot months when the kitchen gets really warm while cooking. Isn’t it nice that you have the option to take cooking outdoors? Grilling is a favorite pastime for many when the weather gets warm. Having a grill on the back patio, back deck or simply in the back yard is a way to get family, friends and communities together for enjoyment in the sun and some fun activities.

But, grilling isn’t exclusive to your home. If you don’t have a grill, you can find one at the park closest to you. Rent a shelter or simply use one of the grills located beside a nearby picnic table. But, before you do, know how to grill safely for more fun and good eats this summer. Check out these tips for safe grilling.

Grilling Safety Tips

1. Use gas if you can – Propane is more efficient and can give you a more consistent heat with which to cook your foods. You use less fuel in this way and create less mess than cleaning up after coals. This is especially true if grilling in an outdoor space, like a park

2. If you use coals, do without lighter fluid – Go for the coals that only need a match to strike up a hot grill. Lighter fluid can be dangerous if used improperly. Avoid this potential hazard with the right kind of coals.

3. Sufficiently heat the grill before adding food – There is less of a danger of undercooked food when you get the grill to its hottest temperature before adding the meats like chicken, pork and beef. And, don’t allow your meat to char.

4. Adjust your cooking times – Know the cooking times for the meat you put on the grill. Meat needs to be sufficiently heated throughout to avoid illness by those who eat it.

5. Grill a sufficient distance from your home or structures – Avoid fires, especially if in an apartment, by keeping your grill a sufficient distance from any dwelling or trees.

6. Keep raw meats sufficiently cooled – If you are traveling to a park for a cookout, make sure that your raw meat doesn’t warm up too much or it will spoil. You can avoid this problem as well by parboiling chicken or similar meats before transporting it to the park. Otherwise lots of ice in the cooler should help. Also – give the meats and other food items their own cooler. Keep drinks separate.

7. Cool cooked foods – Again, cooked meats shouldn’t stay unrefrigerated for more than two hours. Keep a cooler available just for storing cooked foods that are left over from your cookout.

8. Turn your meat once – This can help avoid flare-ups that can deposit dangerous substances on your food. It also allows for more even cooking.

Grilling is a great way to eat and socialize during the summer months. Grill safely and enjoy family time around the BBQ!

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