Outdoor Cooking Safety

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Outdoor cooking is often done because there is a special event. Good planning is a must to ensure that the guests enjoy the food, music and the other activities that are intended to make the event a memorable one. A very important aspect that the host should pay attention to is the safety of everyone. Accidents can happen anywhere especially if some have had alcoholic beverages.

How does the host or organizer ensure the safety of the guests, family members, properties and the environment during outdoor cooking? Here are some tips or reminders:

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1. Before the event, check the cooking utensils and accessories to be used . Test to make sure they are fit and safe to use. Verify if the intended cooking method won't violate any restrictions in the place chosen for outdoor cooking.

2. Grilling is a favorite method of outdoor cooking, so, make sure the grill is located sufficiently away from flammable objects like houses, trees, vehicles and the guests themselves. Make sure that people assigned to man the grills are briefed on the safety measures and know not only where the fire extinguisher is located but also how to operate it.

3. Observe the proper way of starting the fire on your grill or cooking stove. If the chosen fuel is liquefied gas, be sure that it is properly stored.

4. Gas poisoning is one of the dangers of cooking inside a tent or recreational vehicle. Never do this. It is supposed to be outdoor cooking, isn't it?

5. If cooking is in an open pit fire, observe also safe distances from flammable materials like trees with low hanging branches, tents, vehicles and young children.

6. There should be enough water for drinking and all the washing needed. After touching some very unfamiliar vegetation, don't touch any food or your mouth without thoroughly washing your hands. Some plants are poisonous even on the surface. Be careful in using water from untested sources because even if crystal clear, it can be full of harmful organisms.

7.Have enough storage facilities to prevent any food spoilage. Advise everyone about proper food handling.

8.Keep small children and pets away from the cooking area.

9. After cooking, make sure the coals have been put out and kept in a tightly closed metal container.

Outdoor cooking is really fun and exciting and the adherence to safety rules is easily overlooked. For everyone's benefit at a large gathering, it may be helpful to designate somebody who will remain sober and monitor everybody's observance of safety rules and habits.