Tailgate Safety Tips from Casey Honda

For football fans, this is the best time of year. Whether you follow college or the pros, you can find a game to watch almost every day of the week. And if you like to see the action in person, the Hampton Roads area certainly gives you a lot of options. Before you throw your next tailgate party, Casey Honda has some tips to keep you safe.

Don’t Play with Fire

The best tailgate extravaganzas have to involve some cooked meat (or veggie burgers, if that’s more your speed), so if you’re planning to pack a grill, make sure it’s in good shape and that it functions properly. Be mindful of where you set up. If it’s too close to your vehicle, you can scorch or melt different components; you also want to set up far enough from people and other cars, keeping a fire extinguisher on hand just in case.

Keep Things Clean

When you’re in the middle of a parking lot, using soap and water may not be feasible. In this case, bring along a lot of hand sanitizer and use it liberally. Also, make sure to have different prep areas and tools (spatulas, tongs, etc.) and things like rolls, veggies, and toppings, so you can avoid cross-contamination. Also, ensure you have the means to store and dispose of things when you’re done.

Keep Things Cool

Are you one of those folks who shows up several hours before a game to get the festivities going? If that’s the case, you have to be careful about the food sitting out too long, especially if the weather is warm; nobody wants to miss the game because of food poisoning, no matter how good your famous potato salad tasted. Keep as much food as you can in coolers with ice, and if there is any question about the edibility of something, just toss it.

Stay Hydrated

All-day tailgating affairs can be fun, but they can also take a toll on the body. Even on days that aren’t so hot, salty food, sugar, and alcohol consumption can make it easy to get dehydrated. While you may have a nice selection of beverages, hydration with water or Gatorade is a must.

Upgrade Your Tailgating Vehicle

Along with a nice spread, a good tailgating event needs the right vehicle. If your car is lacking in space or other amenities, it’s time for an upgrade. Visit our Honda dealership in Newport News, VA, to find the perfect replacement.