Top Memorial Day Weekend Safety Steps

This Memorial Day many people will be traveling, firing up the backyard grill or enjoying fireworks, and the American Red Cross offers a series of steps everyone can follow to safely enjoy the holiday weekend.

Mary Young, CEO, Metro New York North Chapter says: “ As we approach the holiday weekend and the unofficial start to summer we want people and their families to be safe. The Red Cross has some helpful tips and reminders to make sure!”

HIGHWAY SAFETY

Millions of people will be on the highways over the Memorial Day weekend. The Red Cross offers these five things everyone should do to stay safe while traveling:

1. Buckle seat belts, observe speed limits.

2. Do not drink and drive.

3. Pay full attention to the road – don’t use a cell phone to call or text.

4. Use caution in work zones.

5. Clean the vehicle’s lights and windows to help the driver see, especially at night. Turn the headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.

GRILLING SAFETY

Every year people are injured while using charcoal or gas grills. Here are several steps to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:

1. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.

2. Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.

3. Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.

4. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.

5. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.


SWIMMING AND POOL SAFETY

Constantly supervise children when they are near water. Never leave a young child unattended near water, and do not trust a child’s life to another child

1. Teach children to always ask permission to go near water.

2. Avoid distractions when supervising children around water. If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.

3. Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.

4. Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.

5. Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.

6. Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.

7. Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

DOWNLOAD FIRST AID APP The Red Cross has a free Red Cross First Aid App to put expert advice for everyday emergencies at their fingertips. The app is available for smart phones and tablets and can be downloaded atredcross.org/apps.

For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information, visit redcross.org/homefires.