Many know Memorial Day Weekend as a holiday that marks the unofficial start of summer. Because of this, many people take advantage of the long weekend as a time for group gatherings for summer parties, traveling, or vacationing. While relaxing in the warm weather and spending leisure time with friends and family, the personal injury attorneys at Drake Injury Lawyers recommend keeping the following safety tips in mind to prevent accidents or injuries during this holiday weekend.
Safe Grilling Practices
- Choose a Safe Location: Place the grill in an open area away from any low-hanging branches, buildings, or flammable materials. Keep the grill at least 10 feet away from any structure and ensure proper ventilation.
- Clean the Grill: Regularly clean the grill to remove excess grease buildup which can lead to flare-ups. Check the grease trap or tray and keep it clean to prevent grease fires.
- Supervise the Grill: Never leave the grill unattended while it’s in use. Keep children under adult supervision to ensure they stay away from the hot grill.
- Use Long Utensils and Heat-Resistant Gloves: Use long-handled cooking utensils when handling food on the grill. Wearing heat-resistant gloves allows for additional protection to prevent burns on your hands or arms.
- Keep a Fire Extinguisher or Water Source Nearby: Have a fire extinguisher, a water hose or a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies. In the case of a grease fire, do not use water, use a fire extinguisher.
Staying Safe on the Road
- Plan Ahead: When traveling on the road, make sure to plan your route in advance and familiarize yourself with the directions to your destination. Check for any road closures or traffic updates that may affect your trip.
- Always Wear a Seatbelt: Ensure that all passengers in the vehicle are wearing seat belts that are properly fastened. Make sure younger children are using the appropriate car seats or boosters based on their age, height, and weight.
- Avoid Distracted Driving: Keep your focus on the road and avoid distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or eating. Make sure map navigation systems are set up as well as any music or entertainment systems before heading on the road.
- Never Drive Under the Influence: Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Have a designated sober driver or set up a ride on Uber or Lyft if you plan to consume alcohol and need a safe form of transportation.
Water Safety Tips
- Supervise Children: Always keep eyes on children when playing around bodies of water such as a pool, lake, or beach. Never leave children unattended, regardless of swimming abilities, to prevent injuries or drowning accidents.
- Use Life Jackets: When boating, kayaking, or participating in other water sports, always wear a life jacket for safety. Both adults and children should wear life jackets that fit properly and are appropriate for the individual’s weight and size.
- Check the Water Conditions: Before entering any body of water, check for warning signs and adhere to any safety advisories. Be aware of beach warning flags, currents, tides, and any other potential water hazards at the specific location.
- Swim in Designated Areas: Only swim in designated swimming areas with lifeguards present. These areas are typically monitored for safety and have designated boundaries to avoid any accidents.
Summer Sun Safety
- Apply and Reapply Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Thoroughly apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin at least 15 minutes before going outside or any sun exposure. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
- Limit Direct Sun Exposure and Seek Shade: During the peak hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., limit direct sun exposure during high heat days. Find shade under trees, umbrellas, or canopies to reduce excessive exposure to harmful UV rays and to prevent severe sunburns.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather. Prevent the dangerous effects of dehydration, which can be worsened in the summer heat and sun exposure.
- Protect Children: Keep infants under six months old out of direct sunlight. Dress children in breathable, sun-protective clothing and apply sunscreen formulated for kids with a minimum SPF of 30.