Mass. (WWLP) - Some safety tips for those planning to host a barbeque this Fourth of July. Free summer playground program in Pittsfield begins next week Health experts are reminding people to clean and sanitize. The Department of Agriculture recommends washing your hands before and after handling raw meat or poultry. They also say to keep cold foods in a cooler, and hot foods in warming trays or slow cookers throughout the day. Some locals say they plan to spend a lot of time cooking with their family. Genifer Campana Ruiz of Springfield told 22News, "We always cook together. I cook with my mom my sister and myself. It usually takes two hours and a half. We usually wake up at five o'clock in the morning and it gets done by twelve." If you're planning to grill on the fourth, the agriculture department says to use a thermometer for meats or poultry. You can do this to make sure they're fully cooked and to avoid any foodborne illnesses. Local News Blood drive at Gary Rome Hyundai to help replenish local hospital supply Over 50 sugar gliders looking for homes in Massachusetts Trooper relieved of duty after Karen Read’s mistrial Tree falls on car in Springfield, sends one to hospital WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.