WOODBURY, MN (WNN) – With the Fourth of July in sight, anticipation builds for backyard barbecues, a treasured tradition for many. To help you achieve tasty – and safe – grilled delights, we offer some advice: 

1. Safety First: Make sure your grill is clean and in good working order. Check gas lines for leaks on propane grills. Take care to light charcoal properly and dispose of it safely. It’s always good to keep water, a hose or a fire extinguisher nearby. Grill in a space away from your house, fences, and even low tree branches. Keep children and pets a safe distance from your grill.
2. Be Prepared: Echoing the scout’s motto, a successful barbeque requires preparation. Gather your ingredients, marinades, sauces, tongs, spatulas, and meat thermometer and keep them within easy reach. For burgers and hot dogs, pre-shape patties and have buns, toppings, and condiments organized for quick assembly once cooked. Pro tip: Jay Leno places an ice cube in his burgers to keep them moist while cooking.
3. Indirect vs. Direct Heat: Master your grill’s heat zones for different types of food. Direct heat is best for searing and quick-cooking items like thin steaks, burgers, and hot dogs. Indirect heat, where food cooks next to, but not directly over, the heat source, is ideal for larger cuts of meat, poultry, or delicate items that need longer, slower cooking to prevent burning. If using charcoal, arrange coals on one side for a two-zone setup. For gas grills, simply turn off burners on one side.
4. Cook to Temperature, not Time: It’s generally best to cook to a temperature instead of a period of time. This helps ensure food safety while avoiding overcooking. Recommended temperatures: Ground meats (burgers, sausages): 160°F | Poultry (chicken, turkey): 165°F | Beef, pork, lamb (steaks, chops, roasts): 145°F for medium-rare (allow for 3 minutes rest time after removal from heat).
5. Rest Your Meats: Add juiciness to your meats by resting them for 5-10 minutes after grilling. Cover them loosely with foil so the juices redistribute throughout the cut for a more tender and flavorful result. 
6. Beyond the Burger: Burgers and hot dogs are grilling staples. But other options abound, including grilled corn on the cob, vegetable skewers, foil-packet potatoes, and grilled fruit for dessert. Experiment with different rubs, marinades, and sauces to add new dimensions to your dishes.

These tips will help your grilled treats sparkle as bright as the most entertaining fireworks.