BBQ safety a must

If the warmer weather has you planning for outdoor cooking, making sure your grill is operated safely and food is handled correctly is important, so follow these guidelines:

Grilling

• Make sure smoke is not a nuisance to a neighbor.
• Use an approved container designed for barbecuing.
• Keep grills at least 10 feet from any combustible material or structure, such as a house, garage or deck.
• Only use the fuel for which your grill is designed.
• Have a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of water nearby just in case, and close the lid when done cooking.

Food handling

• Wash hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water before, between and after handling each different food item.
• Clean utensils, cutting boards and countertops with hot, soapy water before and after preparing each food item.
• Place cooked meat on a clean plate.
• Store all meat products in separate containers or bags that seal.
• Use a metal stemmed food thermometer to check the final cooking temperature of meat and poultry. Roasts and steaks should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 150°F, ground beef and pork to 160°F, fish to 145°F and whole poultry to 180°F.
• Refrigerate cooked foods promptly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Email fire@oak-park.us for information on grilling safety and health@oak-park.us for food handling guidance.