Grilling Tips from the American Red Cross

If you're going to be grilling outdoors this holiday weekend -- or at any time during the summer -- the American Red Cross has some tips to help make your grilling experience a safer one:

• Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area
• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use, and make sure everyone, including pets, stay away from the grill
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire. Hot grease or ashes could spill from the grill onto the wooden deck or into dry leaves or grass
• Keep the chef safe by using long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a grill
• Be ready to close the lid and turn off the grill to cut off the fuel if necessary
• Keep a fireproof pan under the grill to catch any falling ash or grease
• Trim excess fat from meat to avoid flare-ups
• Hand washing is paramount. Wash your hands in hot soapy water before preparing food, after each time you touch raw meat, and after any interruptions such as using the bathroom, handling pets, or stopping to do something with children

The Red Cross also suggests that you know basic first aid.  If you've never been through first aid training, you can still get some valuable tips by downloading the Red Cross First Aid App.  It's available for Apple and Android devices by going to http://www.redcross.org/mobileapps