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Camping and hiking are great ways to exercise and appreciate nature. But they also create hunger - and food that is not packed properly and handled safely can create foodborne illness.

Going to the beach? While preparing for the heat on your body - also plan on the effects of heat on your food. Foodborne illnesses increase during the summer because not only does bacteria multiply faster in warmer temperatures, but preparing food outdoors makes safe food handling more challenging.

Summer months brings out everyone's barbecue grills. But, in warmer temperatures - additional food safety care must be taken because bacteria multiply faster. Following a few simple principles and guidelines can prevent a food illness.

Dinner and a movie date night? Ditch the leftovers, not your date!  Remember, leftovers are only safe for 2 hours at room temperature and won’t last through a movie - and only 1 hour if the temperature is over 90°F. After that time, bacteria growth can occur and cause food illness. Likewise, during warmer months bacteria multiply faster – so keeping food safe is more challenging.

Are you and your family totally prepared for destructive effects of a tropical storm or a hurricane? Disasters don’t plan ahead. But you can. Before weather emergencies, it is important to have a plan in place for emergency supplies, food, and water.