Cinco de Mayo is tomorrow, a holiday which officially kicks off the BBQ season as far as we’re concerned. Here are a few grilling tips from the FDNY and the USDA. Highlights include:

Keep Everything Clean
Be sure there are plenty of clean utensils and platters. To prevent foodborne illness, don’t use the same platter and utensils for raw and cooked meat and poultry. Harmful bacteria present in raw meat and poultry and their juices can contaminate safely cooked food.

If you’re eating away from home, find out if there’s a source of clean water. If not, bring water for preparation and cleaning. Or pack clean cloths, and wet towelettes for cleaning surfaces and hands.

and

IN CASE OF A BARBECUE FIRE

1. For PROPANE Grills – turn off the burners. For CHARCOAL Grills – close the grill lid. Disconnect the power to ELECTRIC Grills.
2. For PROPANE Grills – if you can safely reach the tank valve, shut it off.
3. If the fire involves the tank, leave it alone, evacuate the area and call the fire department (911).
If there is any type of fire that either threatens your personal safety or endangers property,
ALWAYS DIAL 911.
4. NEVER attempt to extinguish a grease fire with water. It will only cause the flames to flare up. Use an approved portable fire extinguisher.

—MEGHANN MARCO

Fire Safety / Barbeque [FDNY]
Barbecue and Food Safety [USDA]
(Photo: Kim Scarborough)

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