Galveston County, TX

Many will be firing up the BBQ. Safely cook for your loved ones by following these tips.

• Make sure the grill is stable.
• Do not leave the grill unattended.
• Check the propane tank for leaks.
• Wait to relight if the flame goes out.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Take care if using a charcoal lighter.
• Grill outside and away from structures.

Here are some facts about 4th of July grilling:

• Over 74 million Americans plan to grill out for the 4th of July.
• The most popular foods for the grill are burgers (85%), steak (80%), hot dogs (79%), and chicken (73%).
• 150 million hot dogs are consumed in the U.S. every 4th of July.
• Summer BBQs have been held since the 1800s when colonists would smoke large animals over fire pits to preserve meat.
• Just after the Revolution, Americans marked Independence Day with public dinners, and in the South those dinners quickly grew into large outdoor barbecues.