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BACTERIA, BAD BRISTLES, and BURNING BRIQUETTES

OR 10 UNTOLD GRILLING DANGERS and a 5 STAR RECIPE

Near-sapphire skies drenched with sunlight, tempered by soft breezes convey that unmistakable smoky-sweet aroma heralding the ‘Official-Unofficial’ start of summer: Grilling Season.

You’ve regarded your springtime maintenance of House Washing and Window Cleaning. Now its time to focus on what really matters: family, friends, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

Grilling has all the low-key vibes that we love about Spring and Summer… the laid back itinerary coupled with the relaxed menu. Sun-filled afternoons set into twinkle-lit evenings. And whether your party dines pool-side, porch, or patio, one thing is commonly forgotten in cookout preparation. Grilling Safety.

Firstly, whatever type of grill you have, it is important to know how to safely operate your grill. Grill fires account for 10,600 fires annually, according to NFPA. These are almost entirely preventable. But there are other hazards associated with grilling season that may be overlooked or ignored. Here’s a helpful list of prevention and safety reminders, ensuring the only thing to dampen your dinner will be the weather.

10 GRILLING SAFETY TIPS:

  1. Grill Operation: Each grill is unique and has specific operation requirements. Know the hazards of lighting/igniting and keeping the heat/fire steady.
  2. Propane: Beware of propane leaks. Always follow your grill’s instruction manual on properly igniting and maintaining. A buildup of gas can lead to explosion.
  3. Distance: Keep your grill away from your home, garage, trees, shrubs, and anything flammable.
  4. Damage to your home: Leaving a grill unattended can quickly lead to a hazardous situation, especially if proper distance is not observed.
  5. People: A relaxed atmosphere may loosen the normal attentiveness to caution and safety. Hot grills, Hot tools, and Hot coals can all lead to injury of those unaware of their surroundings.
  6. Drinking: In short, drinking while grilling can lead to accidents. Unwind Responsibly.
  7. Inhaling Smoke: Grill smoke vapors include Carbon Monoxide and PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons), AKA, stuff you don’t want in your lungs, which can lead to a host of serious health issues with repeated exposure.
  8. Sanitation: Cleanliness of your grill and grill tools ensures you won’t be ingesting harmful substances like bacteria, or last week’s blackened chicken.
  9. Bad Bristles: Grill tools that are weak or shed bristles are in need of replacement. Bristle breakage can cause injuries to hands or worse, be ingested through your food. A real hazard is posed by metal bristles, which, if swallowed, mean a trip to the ER!
  10. Bacteria: Bacteria lives up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to keep uncooked foods refrigerated until ready to cook. Refrigerate cooked leftovers immediately. If you’ve ever had food poisoning, this one’s a no-brainer.

Our house opens Grilling Season with a celebratory Surf & Turf staycation day, shared with dearest friends. While it’s a no-holds-barred food fest, we also appreciate the beauty in simplicity. Here’s a 5 STAR rated recipe on ‘How to Grill the Best Steak’, with tips from Steven Raichlen, Master of Barbecue.

May your grilling be great!… and safe!