Autumn doesn’t officially start until Sept. 22, but cooler weather is creeping in and fall festivities will soon be in full swing.

Food plays a big part in fall festivals, and for National Food Safety Education Month, which is observed in September, DeKalb Cooperative Extension agents offer these tips to keep food safe.

Clean

- Wash hands for at least 20 seconds before handling food. Use soap and warm, running water. Rub your hands together and send germs down the drain.

- Use soap and hot water to clean kitchen surfaces that will come in contact with your food.

Separate

- Keep raw foods that must be cooked, like raw meats, away from other foods that can be eaten raw like fruits and vegetables.

- Don’t let raw meat juices come in contact with other foods.

Cook

- Use a food thermometer to take the guesswork out of cooking. Looks can be deceiving, and you can’t tell if harmful bacteria have been destroyed just by looking or feeling.

- Cook foods until they reach the safe, recommended internal temperature in the thickest part.

Chill

- Keep cold foods cold. Cold temperatures slow the growth of bacteria.

- Use coolers with ice or freezer packs when transporting foods for your fall outings.

- Put cold foods back in the refrigerator as soon as you have used them.

For more information, visit www.ugaextension.com/dekalb or call 404-298-4080.