Tips to stay safe during long summer weekends

With college and high school graduations finishing up, it is time to get ready for the summer.

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial launch of summer. Pools open, friends host BBQs, and you can go hiking, boating, and road-tripping, even with your furry friend. Although these are all fun activities, you must exercise caution and common sense, as each of these activities has inherent dangers.

Thanks to organizations, I have compiled a list of some safety tips to protect yourself, your pets and your vehicle.

Heat stress avoidance

Heat stress can come on unexpectedly, so it is vital to know the signs, act quickly, and avoid heat stress from turning into heatstroke.

• Bring all the necessities for a day in the sun plenty of water, sunscreen, first aid, etc.
• Take breaks in a cool, shady place.
• Avoid heavy work during the hottest part of the day.
• Watch for signs of heat stress headaches, nausea, lightheadedness, confusion, irritability, upset stomach.

Grilling and food safety

Getting up close with the grill master is always a fun place to be, but be careful not to distract the cook from their role.

• For propane grills, check the gas tank for leaks before use in the months ahead.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grates and in trays below the grill.
• Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Note to self, plastic siding melts, real fast.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
• Never leave your grill unattended when in use.

Using portable grills

Consider the following as you head out to the nearest campground, park or lake:

• Certain areas have restrictions regarding campfires and grills. Check if your area has any fire restrictions in place. Choose only those areas where fires are permitted.
• Check the fire danger rating in your area to determine if weather or other factors make it dangerous to light a fire.

To start charcoal for cooking

There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to ignite the charcoal using newspaper as fuel:

• If you use a charcoal chimney, use a long match to avoid burning your fingers when lighting the paper
• If you choose to use lighter fluid, use only fluid intended for charcoal grills
• Never add charcoal starter fluid to coals or kindling that has already been ignited
• Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquid except charcoal starter or lighter fluid to start a charcoal fire.

While cooking

• Place the grill well away from overhanging branches according to the manufacturers instructions
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic
• Keep children and pets, and anything that can burn like food wrappers, an oven mitt or towel, at least 3 feet away from open flames and the grill
• Use long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames
• Have an adult present at all times when a campfire or grill is burning. Keep the fire small and never leave a fire unattended!

To dispose of charcoal after cooking

• Before going to sleep or leaving the area, douse the fire with water and make sure the area is cool to the touch.
• Empty the coals into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid that is used only to collect coals
• Place the container outside and away from anything that can burn
• Never empty coals directly into a trash can
• Store the charcoal starter fluid out of reach of children and away from heat source

Driving safety

Driving with the top down and cruising along the highway sounds nice until you snap out of it and realize youre stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire and an overheated engine.

• Get a car checkup inspect your transmission, AC, power steering, windshield wiper fluid, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and coolant levels to ensure they are all satisfactory.
• Be aware of more motorcycles and cyclists on the road.
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes water, jumper cables, flashlight, spare tire kit, cellphone with charger, non-perishable food, and first aid kit.
• Take breaks and stretch your legs often. Take turns driving. The recommendation is to take a break every two hours.
• Avoid distractions, especially from children, or pets in the backseat or calls or texts to your phone.
• Designate a driver who wont drink. If you do drink, dont drive, it isnt worth it.
• Dont let your vehicles gas tank get too low.
• Pull as far as possible off the highway if you have car trouble.
• Let someone know the logistics of your route. Then, if you need help, information can be sent along your predetermined route.

Water safety

Taking a dip in the pool or lake is incredibly fun; however, you must be careful, as there are many risks.

• Be proactive and teach kids to swim. Never leave a child unattended in or near water. Avoid distractions.
• Take CPR for children and adults.
• Always have life jackets snugly attached to children and have the proper amount of flotation devices for adults.
• Swim in designated areas.
• Know the dangers of the water environment, river currents, rip tides, and water temperature.
• Do not dive into unknown waters; there could be a rock hidden there. Watch out for how much alcohol you drink, as it may cloud your judgment.

Pet safety

Supervising your pets is a top priority for ensuring your dog survives the dog days of summer:

• Never leave your pets unsupervised around a pool or lake not all dogs are expert swimmers.
• Also, try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains potentially dangerous chemicals like chlorine.
• Skip using toxic insect repellents. However, use flea, tick, and heartworm medications.
• Pets can dehydrate quickly; ensure they have plenty of fresh, clean water, and make sure they have a shady place to get out of the sun.
• Time spent outdoors comes with the added risk of curious pets escaping. Fit your pet with a microchip or ID tag with identifying information, or (preferably) both.

Hopefully, these tips will prepare you for Memorial Day weekend so you can have responsible fun!

As always, keep an eye on the sky and be safe when outdoors.

Bob the EM