Tips for Safe Grilling

Warmer weather means it’s grilling season! Summer grilling is all about bringing people together. Some of my favorite childhood memories are ones spent at family cookouts! A little caution goes a long way when using a grill. Whether you use a charcoal or propane grill, we have a few tips for you to keep in mind when firing up the grill.

Safety Tips for Charcoal Grills

• Keep the grill away from deck rails, siding, and low-hanging branches. Also keep it away from play areas and high-traffic areas.
• Create a “safe zone” of at least three feet in circumference around the grill. Keep children and pets outside of the safe zone.
• Use a good-quality lighter and keep it out of reach of children.
• Clean fat collection trays often to avoid accidently creating a grease fire.
• Apply starter fluid to the coals, then close the container and step back. You want to avoid a flame-up, so be sure to light coals slowly and carefully!
• When finished grilling, don’t abandon the grill while it cools. Continue to watch the grill closely. Use water to help cool the coals.

Many of the same safety tips for charcoal grills hold true for propane grills. There are a few additional tips to keep in mind if you use a propane grill.

Safety Tips for Propane Grills

• Before using the grill, check all hoses and connections to make sure there are no leaks. To check leaks, apply a water-and-soap mixture around the hoses and connections. Correct any leaks before cooking.
• Double check, and maybe check again, that all gas valves are turned off.
• Regularly maintain the grill parts. Clean the burner with a fine bristle brush and replace the briquettes periodically.

Another very important part of grilling is ensuring your food is safe for everyone to eat! It’s a good idea to keep a food thermometer handy to check the level of doneness in your meats. If your meat isn’t cooked all the way, that encourages bacteria to grow. You don’t want to make anyone sick! 

Recommended Temperatures of Meat

Hamburgers – 160°F
Poultry – 165°F
Pork – 145°F
Fish – 145°F
Beef steak – 145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium, and 170°F for well-done.

Some of the best food and memories are made while grilling outside with family and friends. So, gather your favorite people and foods, fire up the grill, be safe, and enjoy!

For more information, check out these resources:

• Tailgating Food Safety 
• Food Safety at Barbecues