7 Safety Tips for a Terrific Tailgating Experience

Fall is upon us, which means the leaves are changing, the air is cooling and football season is exploding. Yes, tailgating is in full swing!

Pre-game tailgating gives us the chance to bond with fellow sports fans over the grill and cold beverages, but it also presents a few hazards that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Before you head off to the big game, take our crash course on tailgating safety that learn how to avoid food poisoning, protect yourself from sun scorching, avoiding dangerous driving and more.

1. Meat Requires Stellar Sanitation
Nothing will ruin a day at the stadium like food poisoning. Because tailgating and grilling burgers, chicken and other meats go hand in hand, you must be especially careful to prevent cross-contamination.

2. Grilling Guidelines
Your guests are hungry and begging for your famous barbeque chicken; it’s tempting to take it off the grill before it’s done but doing so is a recipe for disaster. Ground meats should reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F, steaks at least 145°F, pork chops at least 160°F, and chicken should reach at least 180°F.

3. Keep a Fire Extinguisher and First Aid Kit on Hand
You never think it will happen to you. When you’re grilling, make sure you have a fire extinguisher in close proximity (not packed in your truck). If you don’t need it, another tailgater might.

4. When in Doubt, Toss it Out
We all hate throwing away food, but as you wrap up your tailgating extravaganza, it’s time to throw away perishable foods that have been left out for more than an hour in hot temperatures or more than two hours in moderates conditions.

5. Count on a Designated Driver
If your tailgating party includes alcohol, be sure to have one or more DDs. Offer to buy the DD non alcoholic drinks during the game and maybe pitch in for a few snacks to say thanks for their duty.

6. Party in Numbers
Tailgating and socializing are nearly synonymous, but avoid gallivanting through crowds of rowdy tailgaters alone.

7. Sun Protection and Hydration
If you’re hosting a tailgating bash, have plenty of sunscreen on hand for your guests and don’t forget to protect yourself. Dehydration is another potential tailgating villain. Drink water to battle dehydration, not soda, juice or alcohol.
You’ve put a lot of thought into game day; don’t ruin an otherwise festive day of tailgating by being unsafe.

Read the full article by Alexia Chianis courtesy of SafeWise here