The One to Count On...

Family and neighborhood cookouts are among the 4th of July traditions that many people are preparing for this weekend. Judi Van Hulzen, at Marion County Public Health, says there are some actions you can take to make sure your food is safe. She says charcoal should be pre-heated for 20-to-30 minutes, and a meat thermometer should be used to make sure those grilled foods reach the right temperature. Hamburgers should be 160 degrees, chicken 170 degrees, and other beef cuts 145-to-160 degrees. As always, Van Hulzen says to wash your hands and make sure you refrigerate food within two hours.