Letter from Southeast Tennessee Executive Director, Julia Wright - July 2015

Summer is here and many of you are planning those annual trips to the beach, lake or the local park to celebrate with families and friends.  Nothing says summer like a hot dog, cheeseburger or corn on the cob fresh off the grill; and with all the fun and excitement it is easy to overlook some of the basic safety precautions you need to consider while grilling out. Whether in your back yard or at a local park here are 5 safety tips to keep you and your family safe this barbecuing season.

1. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.  You don’t want to burn that cheeseburger that’s waiting for you!
2. Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area. Take advantage of the beautiful weather and cook outside.
3. Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill. Your guests might be hungry but they still have to wait until the food is off the grill to get their hands on it!
4. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire. 
5. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe. Provide the chef with the right tools to keep their hands safe so they can participate in the post-barbecue volleyball game. 

By using these 5 tips, you are well on your way to a safe and fun outing.  Accidents, even with the best intentions, can happen- so make sure you also download the Red Cross First Aid App. This free app provides expert advice for everyday emergencies. The app is available for smart phones and tablets.