Tips for Serving Buffet-style

(Little Rock) – A popular way to celebrate holidays or any party occasion is to invite friends and family to a buffet. However, this type of food service where foods are left out for long periods can leave the door open for uninvited guests — bacteria that cause foodborne illness. Festive times for giving and sharing should not include sharing foodborne illness. Here are some tips from the USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline to help you have a SAFE holiday party.

Safe Food Handling
Always wash your hands before and after handling food. Keep your kitchen, dishes and utensils clean also. Always serve food on clean plates — not those previously holding raw meat and poultry.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (KTHV) -- Lots of people travel this time of year, leaving their homes vulnerable to thieves. How can you keep from becoming a victim?

According to the Garland County Sheriff's Department, the key is to make your home look occupied even if no one is home. They offer the following tips to discourage would-be robbers from making off with your valuables.

• Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day. When leaving on trips, leave a light on in the bathroom. In the bedroom, attach a lamp and radio to a 24-hour electric timer set to go on at dusk and off at your bedtime.
• Leave a radio on an all-talk show station and a little louder than normal. The conversation might lead an offender to believe the home is occupied.
• Close bedroom drapes or blinds.