Holiday grilling safety tips from Lucas County Health Department [Video]

TOLEDO, Ohio — The Fourth of July is a couple of days away, and you might want to fire up the grill for some barbequing fun.

Though the holiday may be fun, you should make sure to be extra careful when handling raw meat and other food items. 

Hotter temperatures can make food vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 48 million foodborne illness cases are reported annually.

Jennifer Gottschalk, the Environmental Health Director for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department, shares tips on how to stay safe after grilling and eating. 

TLCHD says that when preparing food, you should wash your hands first, especially when handling raw meat, to prevent the transfer of bacteria.  

“Once you have your raw meats on your counter, go ahead and get those ready. If you’re waiting to grill …