With football season starting, that means that tailgating season is upon us once again. Whether you are the grill master, or someone who just enjoys hanging out before the game, SafeWise has these great tips for you to ensure a fun time tailgating.
Food Safety
For our grill masters, SafeWise has three tips for you to ensure the safety of you and everyone at the tailgate. Let’s focus on the meat. Cross-contamination is a possibility on gameday. Wash knives, cutting boards, utensils, and your hands between every type of meat you touch. SafeWise says you should dry your hands with paper towels instead of dish clothes. Similarly, all raw meat should go on paper plates to help avoid any confusion on where it was. Raw meat should be packed in individual, sealed containers in a cooler packed with ice. Have an extra cooler with ice to replenish the meat cooler. Drinks should always be in a separate cooler.
When it comes to grilling meats, having an instant-read food thermometer on hand is recommended. This will help you see when the meat is ready to eat. Of course, at the end of the day, if you are not sure if meat is safe for consumption, toss it out. It is better to be cautious than to have food poisoning.
Hydration and Skin Care
Tailgating is also a day out in the sun. Make sure to stay hydrated and to wear sunscreen. Keeping hydrated will help prevent any emergency room trips, drinking water is especially important for anyone who is spending most of their time on the grill.
Take Precautions
It is always to have a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand – not packed away, but one close by. Even if you do not need it, someone else might. If you are cooking with coals, make sure to dose them with water and allow them to cool completely before packing them in a container or discarding them. Of course, keep a first aid kit on hand for any burns or injuries that could happen.
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Party in Numbers
Tailgating is fun, but you also need to be safe. Implement a buddy system or clear communication with your friends if you go off alone.
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