Grilling Safety during the Summer
Grilling Safety during the Summer Isn�t it nice that you have the option to take cooking outdoors? When it gets too hot indoors, you can spread your wings and head on over to the grill. But, before you do, know how to grill safely for more fun and good eats this summer. Grilling is a favorite pastime for many when the weather gets warm. It can be the same for you when you know how to do it safely. 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. Grilling Safety Tips Whether grilling at home or at another location, here are some things to keep in mind. 1. Use gas if you can � Propane is more efficient and can give you a more consistent heat with which to cook your hot dogs and hamburgers. You use less fuel in this way and create less mess than cleaning up after coals. 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 � 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 before transporting it to the park. 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.