City of Midland Pess Release... May 21, 2008

May 21, 2008

FOOD SAFETY TIPS FOR SUMMER GRILLING
The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and Memorial Day is fast approaching. Midland Health & Senior Services offers some tips for enjoying a cookout with friends and family.

Clean: First things first- make sure you start with clean surfaces and clean hands.

Separate: Raw meats and poultry should be prepared separately from veggies and cooked foods. When you chop meats and veggies, be sure to use separate cutting boards.

Cook: Masters of the grill are no match for food borne illness, so it’s important to have all the right tools. Your food thermometer is the most important tool telling you if your food is thoroughly cooked, as color is not a reliable indicator of doneness.

Steaks and Chops 145 °F Hamburgers 160 °F
Poultry & Hot Dogs 165 °F Fish 145 °F

If you prefer to prepare meats using a smoker, the temperature in the smoker should be maintained between 225 °F – 300°F.

Chill: It’s important to keep hot food hot and cold food cold and cold food can be kept chilled at 40°F or below with ice packs or ice sources underneath.

Enjoy a tasty and safe meal!

SWIMMING SAFETY
If your plans for this summer include the cool waters of a swimming pool, there are some safety tips to remember. Whether in a park, hotel, an apartment complex, or in a backyard, along with the fun comes the potential for danger.

The Midland Health Department reminds citizens that safety precautions can be a lifesaver. The most important steps in preventing children from drowning or being injured are to stop unauthorized access to the pool, hot tub, or spa and to constantly watch children while they are in or near the water.

Safety Recommendations:

Be sure all children are supervised.
Check to see that rescue equipment such as a pole, rope or life preserver is near the pool.
Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
Do not let children play with any pool drain or sit on a drain in a wading pool or hot tub.
Learn CPR – seconds count in a water emergency.
Have a professional check your pool, spa, or hot tub regularly to make sure it is in good, safe, working condition. Be sure drain covers are in place and not cracked or missing.

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