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Grill Safety Primer

Three tips to keep your grilling accident-free.

Some people enjoy grilling just for the primal thrill of playing with fire. Here are three tips to keep that thrill accident-free.

LOCATION IS EVERYTHING
Always set up your grill at least 10 feet from your home on a flame-safe surface—a driveway or patio rather than grass or a wooden deck—and away from where children and pets might wander. Pay special attention when cooking with charcoal in windy weather, as sparks can fly out of the grill (we recommend keeping a spray bottle filled with water to quell any sparks or flare-ups).

CLEANLINESS COUNTS
Always scrape and oil your grill grate (with an oil-dipped wadded paper towel held with tongs) before use to help prevent food from sticking. It is important that the interior basin of your grill, whether gas or charcoal, be cleaned a few times each season to wash away built-up food matter that can ignite or lend off flavors to whatever you’re cooking. Empty drip pans and ash-catchers frequently to reduce mess.

FOOD SAFETY MATTERS
Always use separate platters for raw and cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination, and always dispose of excess marinade. Save sauces until the end of cooking to prevent them from burning and to keep your basting brush from becoming contaminated by uncooked meat.

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