| Summer is around the corner and many people are | | | | 3. Protect Your Body: It is very easy for grease to |
| anxiously ready for planning to cook outdoors. | | | | splatter when cooking, and anytime you are working |
| However, while grilling and hosting barbecue parties | | | | near a hot surface you will want to make sure that |
| can be a lot of fun, it's important to make sure you | | | | you take precautions to minimize your risk for burns. |
| follow a few safety guidelines to ensure that you | | | | Using special matches or lighters for your grill, long |
| and your guests have the best possible experience. | | | | handled tongs, and heat resistant oven mitts will all |
| The worst thing that could happen during your picnic | | | | help your skin stay safe while barbecuing outside. |
| would be if someone needed to go to the | | | | Make sure your clothes are not too loose also - |
| emergency room or the fire department has to be | | | | hanging sleeves or a baggy shirt could easily catch on |
| called! | | | | fire inadvertently. |
| Here are 5 very important summer grilling tips to | | | | 4. Never Leave the Grill Unattended: It only takes a |
| follow to ensure the safety of you and your guests: | | | | minute away from your grilling station for something |
| 1. Grill From a Distance: Grilling too close to houses, | | | | to go terribly wrong. Never when cooking outdoors |
| decks, fences, bushes, or trees can greatly increase | | | | leave the area. Make sure before you start that you |
| your risk of a fire while cooking outside. A minimum | | | | have everything you need including the food, dishes, |
| safe distance should be 5 feet, with 10 feet or more | | | | utensils, seasonings, and maybe even a drink for |
| recommended. When you are making foods such as | | | | yourself while you are working. |
| hamburgers or steaks that can drip grease and fat it | | | | 5. Follow the Manufacturer Recommendations: |
| can cause many flames to shoot up from the grill. | | | | Different models will have different features and |
| You will also want to make sure there are no nearby | | | | specifications. Be sure that you completely |
| flammable objects or materials, such as extra | | | | understand the user manual and directions and follow |
| propane tanks or aerosol cans. You should never grill | | | | any other additional safety information that comes |
| indoors or in a garage or covered porch area as this | | | | with your equipment. You should also make sure that |
| can also be a fire risk. The only things that should be | | | | you perform regular cleaning and maintenance. |
| nearby are your cooking necessities and a fire | | | | Inspect the parts and pieces before use for leaks if |
| extinguisher! | | | | using gas or propane and if necessary call a licensed |
| 2. Keep Kids and Pets Safe: A hot grill can be very | | | | person to repair. |
| dangerous to children and animals, especially since | | | | Following these simple safety tips will help prevent |
| they may not realize that it can potentially burn them. | | | | injury to you, your guests, or your property. Taking |
| Keep kids and pets as far away from the grill as | | | | just a few minutes to do these things can reduce |
| possible and have another adult keep them occupied | | | | your risk and make sure that your barbecue party is |
| during cooking to make sure they don't accidentally | | | | a safe and enjoyable one! |
| bump into the grill. | | | | |