Memorial Day Safety Tips

The unofficial kick-off to summer is here—yep, Memorial Day weekend!

Whether you’re hitting the road, hosting a picnic, or just relaxing outside, here are a few simple tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday weekend.

Prep for Your Road Trip

With tens of millions of Americans hitting the road this weekend, it’s important to plan ahead. Start by checking your car’s tire pressure, filling up the gas tank, and packing emergency essentials (think jumper cables, spare tire, and phone charger). Map your route ahead of time and keep an eye out for any forecast alerts to avoid driving in dangerous weather conditions. If you’ve got a long trip ahead of you, make sure you (or whoever’s driving you) gets plenty of sleep the night before. And make sure to buckle up!

How to Avoid Grill Fires

Nothing says summer quite like lighting up the grill, but this time-honored tradition can become really dangerous if you’re not careful. According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), grills cause more than 10,000 house and outdoor fires each year in the US. So before you fire up the veggie skewers or BBQ chicken, follow these quick tips:

1. Inspect your grill. Before you light it, check for leftover residue and build-up from past use—this is one of the leading causes of grill fires.
2. Check for leaks. Always open the lid of your grill before lighting it. A leak in the gas lines can cause propane or natural gas to build up inside the grill when the lid is closed.
3. Keep it away from your home and trees. Avoid putting your grill next to the back door or on the back deck against a railing or near trees—this can pose a potential fire hazard.
4. Don’t leave it unattended. You should never walk away from your grill while it’s in use. When left unattended, it can become a safety and fire hazard— especially with little ones around.
5. Have a fire extinguisher close. And in case there’s a fire, make sure you know how to cut off fuel lines (if you’re using propane).

Don’t Forget the SPF

Apply sunscreen with the appropriate SPF and don’t forget to reapply as necessary—especially if you’re swimming or sweating. Protect your eyes by wearing a hat and sunglasses. And drink plenty of water!

Keep an Eye on the Water

Whether you’re basking by the pool, lake, or ocean, water safety is important! It’s easy to get distracted—you’re playing music, grabbing a beer, or grilling. So swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. No lifeguards around? Designate an adult to watch the water in shifts and take note of which children are able to swim and which can’t.

If you’re spending time on a boat, always have kids wear life jackets and at least have them available for the adults. Lastly, know-how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if an accident occurs.

Now with that out of the way, start making the most of your summer—you deserve it!

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