Memorial Day - The Unofficial Start of Summer Fun

 Be prepared for fun

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer and many fun activities and vacations.   By taking a few safety steps you can assure you and your family can enjoy a safe and happy season. 

Grilling is a popular and tasty way to prepare summer meals, but it can turn to disaster quickly. 

·         Grills should be at least 10 feet away from structures & not under hanging tree branches.

·         Don’t leave the Grill unattended & keep children away.

·         Have a hose or fire extinguisher handy (read the instructions first)

·         Keep hot food hot and cold food cold – at temps under 85 degrees refrigerate food after 2 hours or over 90 degrees, refrigerate after 1 hour – and cover food to keep critters out!

Vacations

·         Don’t announce you’ll be away on social media (no point in inviting the burglars!)

·         Stop newspapers and mail delivery

·         Put lights and possibly a TV on timers

·         Secure entrances and windows and remove objects that can be used to climb into them.

·        Turn off water to the washing machine (coming home to a flood is no fun!)

·        Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway & remove the flyers left in your door

Car trips

·         Have your car serviced before leaving & check tire pressure

·         Clean your headlights and windshield when you stop for gas

·         Turn your headlights on in work zones (No, running lights don’t count!)

·         Don’t let your gas tank drop too low..

·         Carry an emergency kit for first aid & breakdowns

·         Carry a cell phone charger – you don’t want a dead cell phone during an emergency

·         If you’re renting a car, familiarize yourself with the gadgets (radio, GPS, wipers, lights)

Sun

·         Remember to apply sunscreen regularly and reapply too

·         Wear a hat – they protect you and can be a fun fashion statement

·         Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated & remember your pets too!

·         Sunglasses – the sun can damage your eyes & is a contributor to macular degeneration