Football season is upon us, and with it comes the excitement and camaraderie of tailgating parties.

While there’s no harm in a little fun, those partaking in grilling, drinking alcohol, and finding their way to and from tailgating events should keep some safety tips in mind.

According to a press release from AAA-The Auto Club Group, sports fans should follow these tips on safe grilling, making sure you have a designated driver, and more.

Tailgating in stadium parking lots brings fans together, but it also brings open flames, hot coals, and flammable materials into close quarters. To keep the party safe, AAA recommends:

— Positioning your grill away from vehicles, tents, and flammable gear.

— Keeping a fire extinguisher within arm’s reach, not just for emergencies, but as a proactive tool to cool coals or stop flare-ups before they spread.

— Never leaving your grill unattended, even for a quick run to the cooler.

— A fire extinguisher might not be the most exciting tailgate accessory, but it could be the one that saves your car, your gear, or even lives.

“Parking lot celebrations present unique challenges that require special attention,” the AAA release noted. “In 2022, a tailgating fire at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami destroyed 11 vehicles after an unattended grill ignited a blaze beneath a parked car. While rare, incidents like this highlight the importance of proper grill placement and fire prevention.”

When it’s time to shut down and store your grill, consider these tips to prevent fire hazards and protect your vehicle and others:

— Fully extinguish all flames and coals. Never assume they’ll cool on their own. Close the grill cover and seal both the top and bottom vents to cut off oxygen. If needed, use a fire extinguisher to douse hot coals, and stir them to ensure no embers remain.

— Let everything cool completely. Hot grills, coals, and grease trays should be left to cool in a safe, open area–never under or near vehicles.

— Dispose of ashes properly. Use a metal container with a lid to store cooled ashes. Never dump them on the ground or in plastic bags, which can melt or ignite.

— Avoid storing hot equipment in your car. A grill or coal tray that’s still warm can spark a fire inside your vehicle.

— Clean up grease and food debris. Leftover grease can attract pests and pose a fire risk. Wipe down surfaces and pack up trash securely.

— Check for flare-ups before leaving. Do a final walk-around to ensure nothing is smoldering or leaking fuel.

— Secure your grill for transport. If you’re packing it into your vehicle, make sure it’s cool, clean, and tightly fastened to prevent tipping or damage.

When grilling at home, AAA recommends these tips:

— Position grills away from decorations and overhanging branches.

— Keep fire extinguishers nearby and easily accessible.

— Maintain clear walkways to prevent accidents.

Anyone who has attended a tailgating party knows that drinking alcohol, typically beer, is standard for many adults. When consuming alcohol, be mindful of the amount you have had, and know your limits, as well as those of friends and family members, to help avoid dangerous situations. If you are drinking away from your home, make sure you set up a safe ride when it’s time to get going. If your guests do not seem like they should drive home, offer to give them a ride, or even stay the night, if needed, to avoid potentially dangerous driving.

According to AAA, nearly one-third of all U.S. traffic fatalities involve alcohol-impaired drivers. Keep safety in mind with these key alcohol awareness tips:

— Designate a sober driver before festivities begin.

— Make sure water is readily available to all tailgaters.

— Have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available for consumption.

— If a guest overindulges, arrange a safe ride home for them.

Football season is exciting, but let’s keep it safe, too.