Essential Safety Tips When Grilling

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Outdoor grilling is such a popular method of cooking these days that it is easy to forget that outdoor grills can be very dangerous. In this article I am going to cover some essential safety tips that when followed, will keep you and your family safe during the grilling season.

• Check Your Grill - This is especially important if your grill has not been used for some time. It is important to check your grill for wear and damage, this applies to both gas grills and charcoal grills. If you have a gas grill then remember to check that the rubber gas hose that connects to your gas cylinder is in good condition.
• Grill Positioning - Place your grill on a solid, level surface, well away from any flammable material and ideally a good 3 meters from any structure.
• Never leave a lit grill unattended. - The Fire can quickly and easily rage out of control, and remember that charcoal can burn at very high temperatures.
• Never allow children or pets to play or run around your grilling area. A knocked over grill can cause severe burn injuries.
• Never use any kind of accelerant to assist in the lighting of your grill. If you have a gas grill and it does not have an automatic ignition system, then a long handled butane lighter is ideal. If you have a charcoal grill then why not try a chimney starter for ease of lighting.
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing that is likely to dangle into the fire and catch light. A pair of heat resistant grilling gloves or mitts are a great way of protecting your hands and lower arms.
• Use long handled grilling tools whilst cooking. This will allow you to reach all areas of the grill without burning your hands. Try and avoid tools made of nylon and other materials that could easily melt.
• Invest in a grilling thermometer. This will ensure your meat and poultry are cooked right through.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or a spray bottle of water close to hand. A grill fire can quickly get out of hand - especially when using a charcoal grill. If food drips too much fat and juice onto the fire this can result in a flare up. Usually water from a spray bottle is sufficient to reduce a flare up.
• Make sure all plates, boards, knives and other utensils that have come into contact with raw fish, meat or poultry are washed properly.
• When you have finished grilling, ensure the grill is fully cooled before moving it. If you have a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are completely cooled before you empty them

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rachel_Wade/649494