Grilling Safety Tips
Barbecuing is a great way to spend time with family and friends, but remember that if not used properly, grills and BBQs can be dangerous. According to National Parks Service grills and BBQs account for about 8,200 fires each year in the United States, resulting in 15 deaths, 120 injuries, and approximately $75 million in property damage. To keep from being a part of these statistics, follow a few safety precautions: 
- Never use a grill or BBQ indoors
- Keep your grills and BBQs away from your house and deck railings, and out from under your eaves
- Never add charcoal lighter fluid to a fire that is already lit, and never use anything but charcoal lighter fluid on charcoal
- If you use a gas grill, check the hose and fittings at the beginning of each grilling season with a little soap and water solution to ensure that there are no leaks
Father's Day Grill Recipe
When it's time to celebrate Father's Day, there is no better way to do it than a nice piece of barbecued meat and an ice cold beverage. This year, try a simple tri-tip recipe on the BBQ. All you need is salt, pepper, garlic rub, a quality piece of meat, and a good hot fire.
Cook the meat right over the flame, using the lid to control the flare ups. Cook the meat for about 30 minutes, flipping from side to side about every 10 minutes, until it has an internal temperature of about 130. When it’s done, resist the urge to cut it open right away! Let those juices redistribute through the meat for at least 10 minutes. For full flavor, be sure to slice across the grain.
Some nice spicy pinto beans, a tomato relish, and garlic bread are all it takes to make my Father's Day complete!
Pro smoking tip: red oak is the traditional way, but it's hard to find. A bag of hickory charcoal and some hickory or mesquite wood chips soaked in water and thrown on top of the coals will create a little smoke.