Safely Grilled to Perfection

Cooking outdoors goes hand-in-hand with summer fun.  Follow these tips to keep your cookout safe and tasty:

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose a fire hazard and a risk of exposing occupants to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic. Grills should be positioned at least 10 feet away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep matches, lighters, and starter fluid out of the reach of children in a locked drawer or cabinet.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.
• Use long barbeque mitts and long-handled grilling tools to protect the chef from heat and flames when cooking.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
• Cook all meats to a safe minimum internal temperature, which should be checked with a food thermometer.  Temperatures should be:

• 145 degrees for beef, veal, lamb, steaks, and roasts
• 160 degrees for hamburgers and all cuts of pork
• 165 degrees for all poultry