There's no party quite like a tailgate. Whether before (and after) a concert, rooting for your favorite team at a live game, or the 4th of July, tailgating offers a unique gathering style with friends and family. It also can be responsible for mishaps not encountered in other situations. Each venue has different rules for tailgating. Make sure you familiarize yourself with where you'll be.
It's always great to have fun, but being aware of your surroundings and the dangers present can go a long way towards having a safe experience. Sometimes, you'll share the tailgate with tens of thousands of people you don't know. These safety tips will help make the next tailgate a great time for all.
Food Safety on the Menu
For some people, a tailgate means hamburgers and hot dogs on a charcoal grill. For others, an eight-burner gas grill loaded with wings, steaks, and a pot brimming with five-alarm chili is the only way to go. Given that tailgates occur during 95-degree scorchers, snowy days in the dead of winter, and every other temperature in between, food concerns vary. Here's some general information that can help:
Find the Right Spot for Your Grille
It's common sense not to put your grill too close to your vehicle, but there are other considerations. Neither a gas grille nor a charcoal grille should be set up indoors or in a small tent. Keep it out in the open and at a safe distance from people playing cornhole or tossing a football around.
If you're using a charcoal grill at a pre-game on a gusty day, notice which way the wind is blowing. Flying coals are both a fire hazard and a potential source of burns.
Having a fire extinguisher handy is a great idea. Place it somewhere reasonably close to the grill where it won't be in danger of being stepped on or knocked over.
Squeaky Clean Is the Way To Go
If you're going to be cooking, serving, or eating food, make sure your hands are clean. The best option is using soap and water, but if that's not possible, either hand sanitizer or anti-bacterial hand wipes are good options.
Speaking of cleanliness, bring multiple sets of cooking utensils if you're cooking with any raw meat. Grabbing veggies with the same tongs you used on uncooked chicken wings can make salmonella an unwelcome addition to the party. Cross-contamination is responsible for a great deal of food poisoning cases.
You should have a thermometer on hand to make sure all cooked meats reach a temperature safe for eating. If you're grilling different types of meat, make sure you clean your thermometer after each use.
Ice Ice Baby (Not Maybe)
Uncooked meats should be kept on ice until they hit the grill. Make sure the cooler holding your meats has plenty of ice. The FDA's Two-Hour Rule holds for how long food is safe to eat. Any perishables, cooked or otherwise, that spend two hours at room temperature should be discarded. If the thermometer is over 90 degrees, cut that time down to an hour.
Man Your Post
If you're in charge of the cooking, the grill is your responsibility. Given most cooking temperatures will be above 350 degrees, don't leave your grill unattended. Children might not understand the danger a red-hot grill presents.
When done cooking with a charcoal grill, don't forget to douse the charcoal with a sufficient amount of water. There should be no chance of the briquettes being able to reignite. This is especially important if you're leaving the cooking area to attend the event.
Party Etiquette
A tailgate is an outdoor party. A lack of walls and roof means you aren't in danger of having the house burn down, but there are still plenty of safety concerns. Whether it's during football season or at a summer music festival, the chance for serious injuries is always present. Keep some of these helpful tips in mind to keep yourself and others from getting hurt.
Remember Where You Are
Tailgates commonly take place in huge parking lots near arenas. That means there will be thousands of vehicles around you. If you're looking for your parking space, keep a watch out for people walking, playing football, or just not paying attention. They might be impaired and not as cognizant of their surroundings as they should be.
There's never a good time for road rage, but losing your cool in a packed parking lot could lead to a rear-end collision or worse. A car accident is likely to ruin your day. Take a deep breath and be patient.
Appoint a Keymaster
Alcohol is a staple at most tailgates. If people in your group are planning on drinking, make sure you have enough designated drivers to get everyone home safely. Most arena events only last a few hours, and that's often not enough time for someone who's had several drinks to be sober enough to drive.
A day of hanging out with the people you enjoy shouldn't end up at a hospital or police station. Collecting keys before the drinking starts is a way to help ensure you'll all attend the next tailgate.
The Most You Can Do
Most parking lots are paved. Dropped bottles have a good chance of breaking. This means glass shards that can cause serious injuries and puncture tires. When choosing your beverages, opt for cans over bottles if possible. If bringing alcohol in bottles, make sure they're in a safe location and on a stable surface.
Prepare for the Worst
It's a good idea to keep a well-stocked first-aid kit in your vehicle at all times. Consider having one at your tailgate as a necessity. You may not need bandages, burn cream, or antiseptic, but you'll be happy to have it on hand if you do. Don't forget to offer help to your neighbors in need, even if they're rooting for the other team.
Protect Yourself Inside and Out
If you're at a tailgate on a cloudless day, you're likely to spend numerous hours in direct sunlight. Put on plenty of sunscreen. Reapply it if necessary. Parents should make sure their children are protected as well.
It's also important to drink plenty of water. Whether you're having alcohol or not, hydrating as well is an important part of giving your body what it needs. Taking care of yourself often leads to the best tailgating experience possible.
Making Happy Memories
Preparing well and making good choices are essential for tailgating safety. Whether you're excited about the event or just there for the party, take the time to ensure everyone at the tailgate party has a fun and enjoyable time. Nobody wants their souvenir to be a personal injury. Stay safe and have a blast!
Related Resources
- Auto Accident Attorneys (FindLaw Lawyer Directory)
- Tailgating Accident Liability (FindLaw)
- Who's Liable for Tailgating Accidents, Injuries? (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)
