Beat the heat: 12 summer safety tips

Beat the Heat: 12 Summer Safety Tips

Celebrate the warm-weather, worry-free bliss of summer while helping keep your friends and family out of harm's way. Use these summer safety tips for your next barbecue, fireworks display or campfire.

5 grilling basics

1. Cool it off
   During a flare-up, move the meat to a cooler side of the grill, then briefly cover the grill to cut off the oxygen supply
2. 165^° F
   Safe internal temperature for grilling chicken
3. Keep it clean
   Regularly remove grease from a grill's stainless steel to mitigate fire hazards.
4. Mind the gas
   A loose hose, tiny holes or any damage to the propane tank can create gas leaks. Regularly inspect your connections.
5. 10 feet
   The minimum distance between your house and your grill.

4 fireworks smarts

• Leave it to the pros
  That's the best recommendation for a spectacular fireworks show. Many fireworks are against the law and can cause major damage.
• 1,200^°
  The temperature of burning sparklers.
• 18,500
  Reports of fireworks-associated fires each year.
• Bucket of water
  Keep one nearby in case of a fire or to dispose of sparklers or fireworks.

3 campfire reminders

• 30 inches
  Suggested length of a roasting stick to minimize getting too close to a campfire.
• 15 feet
  Distance campfires should be from existing structures, trees and greenery, and tents.
• Build a pit
  Use a ring of rocks to designate a pit or clearing for the fire. Avoid putting logs directly on grassy areas or decaying leaves.