Hello World! Welcome Friends! More charcoal grills are sold each year as more people and families take part in barbecuing. To keep grilling safe and enjoyable, it’s important to follow safety tips. Some grilling hazards are quite common, but the solutions are usually simple and easy to apply.
Here are some safety tips for family cookouts and charcoal-grilled meals at any time of year.
Have a Fire Extinguisher in Close Reach
A fire extinguisher should be close by. If a flare-up turns into a fire or if a fire has started in your surroundings, a fire extinguisher is a fast, efficient way to put it out.
Locate Your Grill in a Safe Area
Place your charcoal grill on a flat, stable surface that will not slide, collapse, or be knocked over. Charcoal grills should be removed from flammable materials, such as trees, fences, or wooden decks. To reduce the risk of stray embers causing a fire, keep your grill at least ten feet away from any house or structure.
Never Leave Your Grill Unattended
Don’t want anything bad to happen when you aren’t watching your charcoal grill? Never leave it unattended. This way, you can catch flare-ups quickly and prevent accidents from bumping into it or knocking it over.
Create a Safe Zone Around Your Grill
Every year, young children who experience burn injuries playing around a grill visit the emergency room. If you have a charcoal grill, ensure pets and young children are away from it. Keep three feet between your grill and any children’s play.
Don’t Overload a Charcoal Grill
Too much charcoal in your grill will create excessive heat and high, uncontrollable flames. Never exceed the manufacturer’s guidelines for how much charcoal to use for your specific size grill.
Safely Employ Lighter Fluid
When using lighter fluid, it’s best to form a pyramid of briquettes or wood chunks first, then douse and wait until the fluid is soaked before lighting. Before you light, cap the lighter fluid and place it safely from the grill. Never add lighter fluid to hot or warm coals.
Use Separate Cutting Boards
Avoid cross-contamination when working with meat by using separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods.
Never Leave Meat Out at Room Temperature
When discussing meat on a charcoal grill, always refrigerate the meat after marinating it. Do not leave raw meat out at room temperature, where bacteria can grow.
Grill in a Well-Ventilated Area
Let the wind filter and remove gas from your grill. Please don’t leave it trapped by grilling in a home, tent, vehicle, or camper. Toxins and carbon monoxide can build up and be deadly. Even with windows and doors open, it’s not enough. Always grill outside.
Wear Low-Risk Clothing When Grilling
Don’t wear loose clothing when grilling. Roll up your sleeves. If you have long hair, pull it back. Use a tied apron. This all reduces the risk of something catching fire.
Use Proper Tools When Adjusting Coals
For example, carefully move or adjust the charcoal when lighting the grill. Use proper tools like metal tongs or a coal rake to minimize safety risks.
Consider a Grill Basket for Vegetables
If you have foods that might fall through the grates and cause a flare-up, an alternative to tin foil is to use a grill basket. Either method works. Before grilling, be aware of food that could fall through and cause an issue.
Make Sure Meat Is Fully Cooked
Ensure any meat on the charcoal grill is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer inserted firmly into the meat to find out how close you are. Here are the temperatures you need:
- Rare beef: 125 degrees Fahrenheit
- Well-done beef: 160 degrees Fahrenheit
- Ground beef burgers: 160 degrees Fahrenheit
- Pork: 145 degrees Fahrenheit
- Chicken: 165 degrees Fahrenheit
Thoroughly Clean Your Grill
Clean your grill after and before using it. If consumed, stuck-on char can increase your cancer risk, so clean the grates well before turning up the heat.
Wait 48 Hours with Charcoal Ashes
Hot or warm charcoal ashes can cause a fire if dumped into a garbage can or in the trash immediately. Please wait 48 hours before disposing of charcoal ashes, ensuring they are fully cool.
Store Your Charcoal Grill Properly
After cleaning your charcoal grill, store it in a dry, protected area. Ensure your grill is shielded from rain, snow, dust, and debris. Particularly harsh seasons can wear down grill material.
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