Real Estate News: July 4th Keep It Safe

City of Hialeah - Miami Dade County

The fifth largest city in the State of Florida with an area of 20 sq. miles and a Class 1 Fire Department. Hialeah has access to most major thoroughfare - linked by I-95, I-75, the Palmetto and Sawgrass Expressways, and the Florida Turnpike. It is home to Hialeah Race Track and rich with investment opportunities for apts, homeownership, retail and the manufacturing sector. Mayor Julio Robaina serves as strong mayor. His vision to encourage business growth and quality of life for the residents maintains the City of Hialeah as one of the most desirable and stable community in Miami Dade County. See all the details at www.hialeahfl.gov

6/30/2010

July 4th Keep It Safe

Independence Day is the number one holiday for barbecues and outdoor cooking. 80% of adults say they plan to host or attend a cookout this 4th of July, according to results from a new 2010 Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) national grilling poll.

HPBA tips for grilling:
1. Evaluate your grill.
a. For Gas grills, visually inspect hoses for abrasion, wear and leaks before each use. Use a soap and water solution to test for leaks.
b. For Charcoal grills, use starter specifically made for lighting charcoal briquettes or wood chunks.
c. For Electric grills, make sure to connect to ground fault interrupter (GFI) outlet.

2. Know the cooking heat of a charcoal fire
a. Use barbeque thermometer on the outside of the grill.
b. Carefully hold your hand, palm side down, just above the cooking grid, if you can keep it there for:
i. 5 seconds - the heat is low
ii. 4 seconds - the heat is medium
iii. 3 seconds - the heat is medium hot
iiii. 2 or 1 second - the heat is hot

3. Make sure you have enough propane, cooking wood and/or charcoal for the cookout.

Before you celebrate it is important to properly prepare.
1. Thaw frozen food and marinate foods in the refrigerator and never on the counter.
2. Sanitize cutting boards and counter tops with chlorine bleach.
3. Marinate meats at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before cooking to add flavor and coat the meat.
4. Position your grill, fryer or smoker in an open area away from buildings and high traffic areas.
5. Use a meat thermometer or an instant read digital thermometer inserted horizontally into the side of meat, poultry and seafood to check doneness.

Make your life easy after the celebration. Tips for easy clean up helps.
1. Before lighting the grill, apply non-stick spray on the grates.
2. For charcoal grills, line the bowl with aluminum foil.
3. Squirt grease-cutting dishwashing detergent on the grill and grates (once cool). Scrub with brush or abrasive pad, then rinse. Repeat as necessary.

For more information visit www.hpba.org

Keep it safe and PROUDLY FLY OUR FLAG. Happy 4th of July!