The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St.  Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us

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BBQ safety a must

If the warmer weather has you planning for outdoor cooking, making sure your grill is operated safely and food is handled correctly is important, so follow these guidelines:

Grilling

  • Make sure smoke is not a nuisance to a neighbor.
  • Use an approved container designed for barbecuing.
  • Keep grills at least 10 feet from any combustible material or structure, such as a house, garage or deck.
  • Only use the fuel for which your grill is designed.
  • Have a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of water nearby just in case, and close the lid when done cooking.

Food handling

  • Wash hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water before, between and after handling each different food item.
  • Clean utensils, cutting boards and countertops with hot, soapy water before and after preparing each food item.
  • Place cooked meat on a clean plate.
  • Store all meat products in separate containers or bags that seal.
  • Use a metal stemmed food thermometer to check the final cooking temperature of meat and poultry. Roasts and steaks should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 150°F, ground beef and pork to 160°F, fish to 145°F and whole poultry to 180°F.
  • Refrigerate cooked foods promptly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Email fire@oak-park.us for information on grilling safety and health@oak-park.us for food handling guidance.