(NC)—Summer in Canada may be fleeting, but while it's here, few can resist the temptation of relaxing with friends and family at an outdoor barbecue. There's nothing quite like enjoying great conversation and the unmistakable, mouthwatering smell of food cooking on the grill either in the backyard, up at the cottage, or out at the park.
While it's great to relax in such an enjoyable setting, it's important to take safety precautions into consideration too. To ensure your gathering is as worry-free as possible, keep these top tips in mind:
Food for thought: Undercooking meat is a common barbecue blunder, since food can char quickly on the outside, appearing “done” while remaining raw inside. Make sure the centre of food is cooked right through – use a meat thermometer to be sure. Always wash your hands after handling raw meat, and use separate barbecue tools for cooked and raw meat, too.
Be allergy aware: Enjoying the outdoors means sharing it with different types of allergens like pollen and insects. Bug bites and contact with certain types of plants, for example, can cause unexpected itching and hives. Keep some allergy medication close at hand for your guests – just in case. “Benadryl is the go-to choice for unexpected allergic reactions, and can start to work in as little as 15 minutes,” says allergist Dr. Mark Greenwald. “The brand now offers new topical products with an antihistamine and a skin protectant. Benadryl Itch Spray and Itch Stick provide fast relief from the itch and pain of bug bites, stings and poison ivy.” You never know what may hit you, so be prepared!
Common sense 'cuing: Cooking around open flames always requires precautions. Make sure your barbecue is set up away from overhanging plants or nearby structures such as fences, and avoid wearing loose clothing that can dangle over the grill while you're cooking. Most importantly, never leave the barbecue unattended, and don't try to move it while it's still hot.
Corral the kiddos: It's easy to get distracted when you're at an outdoor event, but be sure to always keep an eye on your kids. Don't just assume someone else is watching them or that they're fine playing by themselves. With backyard pools, hot barbecues and other tempting sights for little eyes and hands, you can never be too careful.
These few simple steps will help ensure your outdoor barbecues are a summer success!
Source: www.newscanada.com
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