Red Cross Emphasizes Cookout Safety

The summer months often provide perfect weather to go out for a picnic.

But as with most things, taking the necessary precautions is a must to get the most enjoyment out of your outing. To that extent, the American Red Cross recommends you follow a few safety tips.

Ensure that food is not left out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler with plent of ice or freezer gel packs. When preparing food, make sure to wash your hands in advance. If you are grilling, always supervise when in use. Never grill indoors, and even when outside, keep the grill out in the open away from anything that could catch fire. If the coals have already been ignited, do not add charcoal starter fluid. Use long-handed tools made for cooking on the grill. Finally, make sure everyone other than the chef, including pets, stays away from the grill.