How to Grill Safely This Fourth of July

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By cygnetbrown
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (8 Ratings)

A Fourth of July Celebration isn't much of a celebration without a Fourth of July barbecue. It isn't much of a celebration however if the barbecue is scarred with a grilling injury. To protect you and your family from grilling mishaps, here are a few safety tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Be sure that your gas grill is in proper working order. Be sure there are no cracks, brittleness hole, or leaks in your grill hoses. Make sure there are no kinks in the hose. Keep hoses away from possible hot surfaces and dripping grease. Keep propane tank upright. Never store gasoline or other flammables near grill. Never store propane tanks in vehicle even when you think it is totally empty. Follow manufacturers recommendations.
Step 2

Never burn charcoal grills inside of homes, vehicles or campers. Charcoal should never be used indoors even with proper ventilation. Never substitute gasoline for lighter fluid.
Step 3

Wash cutting boards before and after handling raw poultry or pork. Keep meat cold until ready to grill. Defrost and marinate meat in refrigerator not on counter top. When transporting meat to another location, use insulated cooler with sufficient ice in the cooler to keep optimal temperatures.
Step 4

When grilling avoid loose clothing. Never leave grill unattended. Keep children away from playing near grilling area.
Step 5

Use long handled grilling tools to make grilling easier and safer. Long handled tongs make for easier handling for grilling foods.
Step 6

Use meat thermometer to make sure that meat is properly cooked.
Step 7

Use clean platter and utensils to serve grilled food. Do not reuse plate used for raw meat without first washing it with hot soapy waterand rinsing well.
Step 8

In hot weather, grilled food should never be set out longer than one hour. Discard any food left out more than two hours.

Comments

alohagems said

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on 6/21/2009 hubby and i loves grilling, will surely buy this info. rated 5 and rec'd

joe757 said

on 6/17/2009 great info! step #2 is very important because the charcoal emits carbon monoxide, and can kill.. this happened to a family in our local area who grilled indoors! anyway, great info!