BBQ Safety
Tips
By Chris McCarthy
When it comes to barbecuing, what could
be more fun than whipping up sumptuous food on the grill in the company of
family and friends? The thing of course is finding the right place for
grilling and barbecuing. One favorite spot among true barbecue aficionados
would be their very own backyard or outdoor kitchen with their own brick
barbecue pit. Actually, any outdoor area is a potential spot for a barbecue
but truth be known, the best places for a barbecue are the safest ones.
Choose a location for your BBQ grill
that is away from trees, leaves, brush and overhanging limbs. Do not setup
your gill in a high traffic area where someone may accidentally brush up
against the hot grill.
When barbecuing in your backyard, be
sure that you're 5 to 10 feet away from your house or any material that can
potentially catch fire. Also, be sure the grill is stable and is away from
children or pets that may bump into it. It would also be a good idea to have
a water supply nearby like a garden hose.
If you live in an apartment building
with a balcony or rooftop or any other outdoor space, be sure to consult
with your building administrator (or in some instances, your local fire
department) regarding specific restrictions. Generally, using charcoal and
gas grills indoors or anywhere above the first storey is prohibited so you
may want to consider electric grills instead for your barbecuing efforts.
Another great place to barbecue is in a
campsite. Camping is such an exciting way to experience the great outdoors
and barbecuing food over a campfire is definitely one of those practical yet
cozy things you can do. Just be sure that you are at least 15 feet away from
your tent and other camping gears.
Protect yourself by using the correct
BBQ utensils such as oven mitts, thongs and a good spatula. Avoid wearing
loose clothing while near the grill.
Always leave the lid to a gas grill open
when lighting the fire so the gas does not build up under the cover. If the
fire does not initially start, turn off the gas, leave the lid open and wait
for at lest five minutes before trying again.
It is always a good idea to give your
grill a checkup before using for the first time of the season and always
store your tanks outside in a upright position where the temperature will
never go over 125 degrees.
Of course, it's not just the atmosphere
of being outdoors that can make a barbecue fun and special. It's also in the
delicious barbecue dishes that you share with your loved ones. To make it
all the more special, try a variety of BBQ rubs, marinades, salsas and BBQ
sauce to capture the true taste of great outdoor barbecuing.
Newsletter index.
Join our recipe exchange family today
Enter your email address below and click the
'YahooGroups' button to
sign up for for our
free recipe exchange newsletter. It is sent
each day except Thursday.
Return to Home
Page
|