Easy to Follow Safety Tips for Barbecue Grilling

Safety First!! Refrigerate all meats and fish as soon as purchased. Place them in sealed containers or bags. Place them on the lowest shelf possible in case of spillage. Cook your meat as soon as possible and after 2-3 days, freeze it. It can be ideal to cook once at room temperature, the heat from the grill tends to penetrate the center &nbspwithout burning &nbspthe exterior. However, be cautious. Highly perishable meats, fish and &nbspseafood, or other thin meats, should be refrigerated till cooked. Never &nbsplet meat sit for too long outside the refrigerator, 20-30 minutes is sufficient to bring the meat to room temp. Always thaw meat in the refrigerator in its sealed package, whether it is dry ice shipped or vacuum sealed portions. You will have juicier and safer results. It is not recommended you thaw meat at room temperature, if you need to thaw it quickly do so under cold water. Meat can be refrozen if it was thawed in the refrigerator and is cold to the touch or has ice crystals. It is best to seal it before refreezing and use before 2-3 months. Never use meat marinades, marinades that meat has sat in, for other foods unless you boil them for 3-4 minutes first. Rinse your fish and poultry well before cooking. Never use the same meat cutting board, surfaces, platter, or plate for other foods. Always wash your hands, work surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils with warm soapy water after use. Once your meat is cooked, do not let it sit out at room temperature for long. Refrigerate leftovers immediately. NOW WE'RE READY TO GRILL!!! Tips For Grilling You can place two fire resistant bricks on either side of the grill to hold skewered meat. Turn frequently wearing the appropriate gloves. Be careful when you open a grill, the smoke and steam will come out quickly and can cause injuries. Use the appropriate grill gloves for working with your grill and related items to prevent burns.   Always remember to turn your grill off after use. Charcoal fires extinguish well by closing the lid and vents. Do not remove the coals until completely cool. Gas grill tips When using for the first time in the spring or summer, check the equipment; hoses and gas lines. After you use it, turn both the burners and gas supply off! When turning back on your grill, if you smell gas first, wait to light it. Light it with the top up and burners on high. Wait 2-3 &nbspminutes if it does not light before trying again. This allows the gas to dissipate. NEVER use old, rusty propane tanks. Many grilling burns are due to combination of drinking alcohol and grilling. Be safe!