Advice for Memorial Day grilling from Texas A&M

For the daily post about food, I'm passing along this advice from Texas A&M that I included in last night's Overnight News Digest: Science Saturday (Hurricane season arrives): AgriLife Extension experts offer tips on safe Memorial Day grilling, food safety
May 22, 2014

COLLEGE STATION – With Memorial Day weekend approaching, many Texans are preparing their grills for a family cookout, and to help ensure a safer, more trouble-free time, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts are offering some sage advice.

“It’s extremely important that people take extra care if planning to grill outdoors, especially in open areas,” said Dr. Joyce Cavanagh, AgriLife Extension specialist in family development and resource management, College Station. “Three out of four households have an outdoor grill, and cookouts are a Memorial Day weekend tradition.”

Data from the National Fire Protection Association shows gas grills were involved in an annual average of 7,200 home fires from 2007-2011, while charcoal or other solid-fuel grills were involved in an annual average of 1,400 home fires. In 43 percent of home outdoor fires in which grills were involved, the fire started when a flammable or combustible gas or liquid caught fire.

Cook safely this weekend.  I know I will.