subject: Picnic Tables Give You Independence From Worry [print this page] Picnic Tables Give You Independence From Worry
With Independence Day approaching, millions of people are preparing their picnic tables, outdoor furniture, and grills, for another weekend of extra-heavy use. If you're hosting a party, you'll have your hands full, making sure that everyone has enough to eat and drink, and keeping them entertained.
Of course, you must see that everyone is safe as well; but this is true at all times. Indeed, whether it's a large holiday party, a small, casual cookout, or just your family (or you alone), there are many things that can pose potential dangers. No matter how careful you are, sometimes, the most unexpected things can happen in an instant. Outdoor cooking, for example, is one of the areas in which accidents commonly occur; so it's always worthwhile to review the basic safety rules for grilling.
Although mishaps can sometimes be caused by a person's inexperience in grilling, even veteran outdoor chefs can make mistakes. In certain cases, it's because they've been doing it for so long that they become overconfident, and take chances that they wouldn't suggest to anyone else. Other times, they may be using new equipment that has features with which they are unfamiliar.
Therefore, you should always be sure to acquaint yourself with your grill's capabilities, and read and follow all of the manufacturer's directions and recommendations. Furthermore, remember that you should never use a grill indoors. Even if it's a spacious, open area, such as a garage (the most common structure used for this purpose), all it takes is one strong gust of wind to send flames shooting up to the rafters.
The risk is even greater if you have paints, solvents, or kerosene heaters stored in the garage (which isn't a good idea anyway). Never use a grill near anything flammable, inside or out, or allow lit cigarettes, matches, or open flames near it.
Don't put a grill under or near things that can catch fire, such as branches, overhangs, outdoor furniture, clotheslines, power lines, decks, and siding; and keep it at least 25 feet away from the house. Move gas hoses as far away from hot surfaces and dripping grease as possible, or install a heat shield to protect them; and always place the grill on a level surface.
Another thing to keep in mind is that, with all of the demands that you put on your grill throughout the summer, its parts can become worn out, particularly if it is several years old. In fact, they can even deteriorate when the grill is simply sitting idle for awhile. So, make it a habit to regularly inspect hoses, gauges, tanks, and other components, for rust, cracks, leaks, or breakage.
