Share		Tell a Friend

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal live. John 3:16 (NIV)

As all of us wait anxiously for the start of the NFL season - T minus three and a half months - we can't help but get excited for tailgating: tailgating at minicamps, tailgating at training camp, tailgating at preseason games, and tailgating at regular season games. Whatever it is we are tailgating for, it's time to bring on the burgers and the beer: tailgating is one heck of a fun time.

But, anything fun - particularly anything fun that involves fire - is not without its dangers. For this reason, it's important to keep safety in mind whenever you tailgate for anything. Protecting yourself and making smart decisions will help make sure you don't get fenced into a bad situation.

Put out Your Fire: Whether you are grilling on a portable BBQ or using a fire pit, be sure to never leave your tailgate area while any sign of a fire still exists. If the coals are still smoking, still hot, or still orange, there is still potential for a fire to start. Instead of letting them cool off naturally, throw water on them to expedite the process. Knowing the coals are all out will keep you from having to worry about someone coming over the loud speaker to tell you that your Honda is ablaze…..and its light are on.

Take Up Only One Parking Spot: No one really cares for "that guy" who takes up two or three parking spaces with his monster truck, making sure he has a whole row to call his own. While it might not bother you to take up more than one spot, it will bother other people and that has the potential to cause fights (particularly when alcohol is involved). Instead of being a spot-hog, reflect back on the lectures of your kindergarten teacher and remember to share.

Don't Park in or Block a Fire Lane: It may seem like a good idea to take up the fire lane: the chances of an emergency are minimal. But, in the event that there is an emergency, you will find yourself, and your conscience, in big trouble for blocking the access of first responders. Even if there isn't an emergency, you might go into a football game only to return to the parking lot and find your car ticketed, booted, towed, or, if the football game is in New York, swimming with the fishes.

Lock your Doors: Those of you who tailgate probably bring a lot of stuff with you: BBQ's, charcoal, alcohol, lawn chairs, coolers, food. These may serve as essentials for the tailgating experience, but they also serve as a buffet for petty criminals. Instead of inviting robbers in, lock your doors and hide your belongings in places they are not easily spotted: the trunk, under seats, or under blankets. If a thief isn't able to get away with your stuff quickly, they will probably move on to easier prey.

Clean up Your Mess: Making a mess is fun, cleaning one up…well, not so much. Still, cleaning up your mess after tailgating is essential in keeping tailgating from being banned at NFL and other stadiums. If loads of trash are continually left in parking lots because of tailgaters, tailgaters may just find themselves only able to tailgate in their own driveways. For some reason, that just doesn’t cut it.

Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for http://www.milleniumlimo.com . An avid sports fan, she likes the Miami Dolphins but her heart belongs to the Denver Broncos.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Web recipes-on-the-net.com

3 Tips For Terrific Tailgate Parties by Brian E. Hill
5 Tips For Grilling Safety at Football Tailgate Parties by Dee Power
9 Simple Tailgating Tips for Beginners that Will Make You Feel Like a Pro by Nicola Kennedy
Appetizer Recipes For Tailgating Party by Kevin Woodward
Burger Bundles - A Family Favorite on the Grill by Brad Vitosh
Catering For Vegetarians at Your Tailgating Or Grill Party by Kevin Woodward
Don't Get Fenced in: Tailgating Wisely by Jennifer Jordan
Easy and Delicious Tailgate Party Food! by Julie Checcini
Extraordinary Tailgating Recipes,Adding Spice to the Game by Nicola Kennedy
Great Ideas For Avoiding Disasters When You're Out and About Tailgating by Stephen Kember
Handy Tips Guaranteed to Make Your Tailgating Grilling Party a Success by Kevin Woodward
MLB Baseball Potato Skins and Other Tasty Menu Ideas for Your Party by Gail Leino
Nascar Tailgating - Easy Dinner Recipes and Dinner Ideas For Family Fun by Julie Languille
Tailgate Food Ideas by Joseph Devine
Tailgate Party Fun With Easy, Portable Dishes and Menu by Gail Leino
Tailgating Fun - "Yummies" and Camaraderie by Bradlley Mckoy
Tailgating - The Last American Neighborhood by Wellington Wetwater
The Most In-demand and Essential Tailgating Supplies - Have a Great Party by Nicola Kennedy

< Back to Tailgating Recipes