Whether you’re in love with the game or the food, football season has officially arrived. That means the fun of tailgating season has also begun. It takes a lot of effort to host a successful tailgate, but it’s important to keep yourself, your cars, and your guests safe. Here’s what you need to know and do before the big tailgate…we mean game.
- Make a Plan
First things first: start with a plan. Will snacks suffice, or does live grilling sound more appealing? Better yet, how about both? When you decide on the menu, make sure it’s stored properly (meaning the temperature and proximity to other foods–we’ll get into that below). Depending on where you live and how far into the season you are, you could come across some different weather conditions (sun and heat, rain,or even cold and snow). It’s important to dress the part and pack items to keep you at a comfortable temperature during the tailgate and big game. Also, don’t forget to come prepared with a car emergency/first aid kit.
- Food Prep and Storage
Whether you plan to grill or have pre-made food, it’s important to make sure the food stays at a safe temperature for eating. If you have food that you’re planning to grill, common foods such as burgers or hotdogs need to be at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepared foods like subs or deli trays should be kept in a separate cooler. On a cold or comfortable day, food can be left out for roughly two hours before it should be consumed or tossed. On a hot day (over 90 degrees Fahrenheit), limit that time to one hour.
- Safety and Sanitation
If you’re planning to grill, it’s a good idea to come prepared with the essentials (yes, including the prized “Grill Master” apron). It’s also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher handy in case something goes wrong. Bring a plastic container to store dirty cooking utensils after you’re done cooking and serving guests. Check out these grilling safety tips for more helpful ideas.
To keep your food station clean, we recommend having plenty of paper towels, hand sanitizer, and garbage bags on hand. Paper towels carry fewer germs than cloth towels, especially after handling raw and undercooked food. Hand sanitizer should be available before cooking or making your way through the food line. And finally, garbage bags keep the tailgate clean and your neighbors happy.
- Don’t Forget the D.D.
We know there’s an elephant in the room… what about adult beverages? Pre-game rituals often include drinks. Before participating, it’s important to identify a designated driver. In doing so, you eliminate the possibility of an impaired driver getting behind the wheel. In some instances, tailgating can turn into an all-day or evening event; encourage tailgate party goers to have food in between drinks and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Again, it’s necessary to make transportation arrangements before you arrive.
- Heading Home
After the fun and festivities, make sure your tailgate area is clean and garbage is disposed of in the designated area. Take a survey around your car. Make sure there aren’t any cans, bottles, or other items you could run over that may cause damage to your vehicle. Also, there’s likely to be traffic when you’re heading out of the tailgate, so it’s important to drive with caution when you’re exiting the parking lot.
At Erie Insurance, our promise is simple: to be there when you need us. Whether tailgating before the big game or the ride home afterwards, you can count on us to provide the protection you deserve – at a price you can afford. Call us today to learn about car insurance.
ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of July 2022 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.
