Stay On The Safe Side With These Tailgate Safety Tips

Alright football fans, your favorite time of the year has begun! It’s time to gather with friends and family, whether that’s in a man cave in front of a flat-screen, front row of your favorite college football stadium, or at a tailgate with fellow fans. Before you pack your cooler full of snacks and throw on your favorite team jersey, read over these tailgate safety tips.

If You are Grilling Meat

The smell of fresh burgers and dogs on the grill will have you craving a football win. Although, as you plan your menu for the big tailgate, consider a few things. Cooking with raw meat especially requires specialty protocols. After all, no one wants to be in the bathroom with food poisoning during the game. To ensure tailgate attendants and eaters are free of any game day trouble, prepare each raw meat separately. Wash your hands often and do not reuse any utensils. Have plenty of disposal plates on hand to ensure you do not cross-contaminate. Keep food in coolers on plenty of ice at all times.

Just in Case

It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. Whether you are a first-time tailgate host or have been doing it for 10 years, be sure to take precautions. Keep a first aid kit on hand and have a fire extinguisher close to the grill. Find out where the nearest first-responder is in case of an emergency.

Have a Buddy

When football season rolls around, whether you are 25 or 55, it’s important to follow the buddy system. If you are headed to the bathroom line, the game, or another tailgate, bring a friend along. Safety is in numbers.

Wear Your Sunblock

Summer is over, so there’s no need for sunblock anymore, right? That’s not the case. If you are in the sun, you are at risk of sunburn. Don’t turn as red as your team’s jersey. Instead, reapply sunscreen every couple of hours. Don’t forget your shades too!