Chillin’ and Grillin’ – Outdoor Cooking Safety
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 64% of U.S. households own some kind of outdoor grill. With the elaborate outdoor kitchen trend, outdoor cooking has gone to a whole new level. And while summer BBQs are both fun and delicious, we can’t lose sight of the dangers of grilling as well.
Grilling Safety
The NFPA notes that July is the peak month for grill fires, followed closely by the other summertime months. On average each year, grilling is the cause of 10,600 home fires. Almost 20,000 people a year go to the emergency room for grill injuries. More than half of those are thermal burns.
The NFPA has some safe grilling tips but here are a few important things to remember as well.
- Keep the grill as far away from other structures as possible. Grilling on balconies or small patios requires extra diligence.
- Never leave the grill unattended.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill. Be sure children understand it is not just the flames that can burn them, but surfaces, dishware and utensils.
- Have a water source nearby in case there is a fire that extends beyond the grill.
More Perils of Outdoor Cooking
In addition to the more commonly known fire and burn risks with outdoor cooking is the risk that comes with cooking Outdoor cooking may not be as precise as cooking on a traditional stove or in the oven. It may be harder to regulate the cooking temperature and to know exactly how long to cook meat on a grill. The Centers for Disease Control has recommendations for preventing foodborne illness when grilling. Safe handling of the meat before cooking is important to avoid cross-contamination. A food thermometer is a must for all outdoor cooking. They also give the following guidelines for safe cooking temperatures.
When grilling, cook to:
- 145°F—whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and veal (then allow the meat to rest for 3 minutes before carving or eating)
- 145°F—fish (or cook until the flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork)
- 160°F—hamburgers and other ground beef
- 165°F—all poultry and pre-cooked meats, like hot dogs
After grilling, keep food hot:
- 140°F or warmer—until it’s served
Open Flames
The best way to top off a summer evening is with delicious s’mores around the firepit. Whether camping or just enjoying an evening under the stars, these sticky treats add to the fun. Just be sure the same rules as grilling are followed to keep the fire contained. And make sure the roasters stay far enough away and that they don’t have any loose clothing or dangling items that could catch a flame.
We Can Help
A monitored fire alarm means the fire department is on their way as soon as the system goes off. Call us at 281-506-8466 or visit us online for a quote to monitor your system.
