With BBQ season upon us, it’s important to follow some basic safety precautions when cooking outdoors.

- Make sure your grill is in a well-ventilated area. Building an open flame and choking out the oxygen around it could easily lead to a house fire.

- Avoid using anything other than natural wood or charcoal to fuel your BBQ, and never use lighter fluid or gasoline in place of either of these fuels.

- When grilling your food, it’s best to only turn the grill to medium-high heat. High heat can easily lead to burnt meat, and low heat can lead to the meat drying out and falling off the bone.

- Be sure that no one is near your BBQ while you are cooking! If conditions outside are concerning, make sure that all of your BBQ equipment is tied down. This includes anything on the sides of your BBQ as well as storage containers if you have any.

- Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure of whether or not your food is done!

- Try to keep an eye on the fire. If it starts to die down, add more natural wood or charcoal. If the fire is raging out of control and winds up engulfing your BBQ, use a hose or bucket of water to put it out.

- Never leave your BBQ unattended until it has completely cooled off and all embers are absent.

Enjoy your summer and know we are always ready to help with any question or need you may have.

The team at Barrows Insurance Agency.