Holiday Safety Tips for Memorial Day 2017 in the Hudson Valley

This Memorial Day weekend many Hudson Valley residents will be firing up the grill in the yard or at the park, and enjoying the pool or one of the state beaches that have just opened for the season. So the American Red Cross offers a series of steps everyone can follow to safely enjoy the holiday.

“As everyone looks forward to the Memorial Day weekend the Red Cross wants to make sure people know some key steps to keeping your family and friends safe, “ said Mary Young, the CEO of American Red Cross Metro New York North.

SWIMMING SAFETY

Injuries and deaths occur too often at pools and beaches:

• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.
• Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

GRILLING SAFETY

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

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.

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:

• Buckle seat belts, observe speed limits.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Pay full attention to the road – don’t use a cell phone to call or text.
• Use caution in work zones.
• 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.

ALSO SEE: NY Camping Season Begins; Packages For Newbies