Gathering with other fans to picnic and celebrate before heading into the stadium is a time-honored football tradition. But before you fire up the grill, keep these tailgate party safety tips in mind.

Before Your Day Kicks Off

• Pack your picnic with care. Keep raw meat cold and separate from other foods. Store raw meat in individual containers in a cooler maintained at a temperature below 40 degrees with ice or cold packs.
  
  
• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Pack hot foods in insulated containers to keep them above 140 degrees. All perishable foods should be kept at temperatures below 40 degrees.
  
  
• Bring a first aid kit. Make sure your kit contains the basics such as antiseptic wipes, bandages and hand sanitizer. Bring sunblock and insect repellent, too.
  
  
• Pack a fire extinguisher and bring a bucket for water if you plan to use a grill.
  
  
• Check the open container and public intoxication laws for the area where the tailgate party is being held before you plan to bring or drink alcohol.
  
  
• Choose a designated driver in advance. If you plan to drink alcohol, make sure one person in your vehicle stays sober to drive everyone home. No one who has been drinking alcohol should get behind the wheel.

When You Arrive at the Stadium

• Drive with care through the parking lot. Tailgates draw hundreds and even thousands of people. As you search for the perfect picnic spot, drive slowly and stay aware of what’s happening around you. Watch out for kids and pets that could dart in front of traffic. And be careful of grills, cornhole sets and other party gear.
  
  
• Make sure your grill is a safe distance from people, as well as anything that can catch fire. Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach. If you use a charcoal grill, thoroughly soak the coals with water and let them cool completely after you’re finished grilling. Place them in a container designed for storing coals before packing them in your vehicle.
  
  
• Keep your hands clean. To prevent the spread of germs, wash your hands before preparing food, as well as before and after you touch raw meat.

Running the Best Plays During Your Picnic

• Grill meat to a safe temperature before serving it. Use a meat thermometer to check. Ground meats should reach an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees, steaks should reach at least 145 degrees, pork chops need a temperature of at least 160, and chicken should reach at least 180 degrees.
  
  
• Always use clean utensils and serving dishes for prepared foods. Never serve food with utensils that were used for raw meat, poultry or seafood unless they have been thoroughly washed.
  
  
• Throw away anything that’s been at temperatures between 40 and 140 for two hours (one hour if it’s above 90 degrees outside).

Avoiding a Flag on the Field

• Wear sun protection and stay hydrated. Wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and reapply it often – even if it’s cloudy and cool. And keep water on hand to drink small amounts throughout the day to stay hydrated.
  
  
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink – or don’t drink alcohol at all. You don’t want to run afoul of open container or public intoxication laws.

Whether you’re grilling a picnic or just hanging out with friends at the tailgate party, staying alert and respectful of others keeps everyone safe and the fun going strong.

Sources:
Cenikor
Endurance
Nationwide®
Safewise
U.S. Department of Agriculture