Whether you’re rooting for your college alma mater or your favorite pro team, football game day is filled with festivities. And for many people, the pregame tailgate in the parking lot is even more fun than the game itself. But don’t let the joyful distractions of tailgating lead you to disregard safety.
Keep your tailgate fun and safe by following these tips.
Grill with caution. Grilling is often a central part of the tailgating experience. It’s also one of the most dangerous. Make sure your grill is working properly, and keep it at least 6 feet away from all vehicles and potential combustibles. Intense grill heat can damage the paint on your vehicle and even ignite the gas tank.
Monitor your grill during cooking, and make sure children and pets don’t get too close. Have a fire extinguisher on hand in case there’s a flare-up. Also, if you’re using a charcoal grill, allow enough time between grilling and the game to let the coals cool down for safe disposal.
Follow smart food safety practices. Nothing ruins a day at the stadium like food poisoning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure meat is cooked to the proper temperature. Beef, pork, lamb, chops and roasts must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 F. All poultry must be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 F.
Never put cooked meats onto a platter that was holding raw meats unless it has been thoroughly cleaned. Washing dishes can be tricky during a tailgate party, so you may want to use a disposable plate or container for raw meats.
Also, don’t let food sit out beyond two hours (one hour if it’s 90 F or hotter). If you can’t refrigerate leftovers within this time frame, toss them.
Drink responsibly. If you're serving alcohol, make sure people are drinking responsibly. Include water and nonalcoholic options as part of your beverage choices. Everyone should drink enough water to stay hydrated.
Select a designated driver. If your tailgating party includes alcohol, have one or more designated drivers. Some people may not realize they’ve had one too many. Even if you’ve had only a few drinks, don't get behind the wheel of a car. Designated drivers save lives.
Check for debris before leaving. Driving over cans or glass bottles when leaving the parking lot can damage your vehicle. Before and after the tailgate, walk around your vehicle and remove anything that may damage your tires.
Are you covered?
Collision auto insurance will protect you as you travel to and from the game, but when you're at the tailgate, comprehensive auto coverage will protect you from any noncollision accidents.
Before game day, discuss your auto insurance policy with your insurance professional and make sure your vehicle is covered for all possible circumstances. Be sure you don’t face any limits or exclusions you’re not aware of so you can enjoy the pregame festivities without unnecessary risk.
