5 Tips to Have Fun and Stay Safe for Memorial Day

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Most people consider Memorial Day the start of summer.  If you are planning to travel anywhere, barbecue with friends and family or just spend a weekend in the sun, we have some tips to help you stay safe and have fun.

Grilling – You may be using a grill or a smoker and it is important that you are careful. Never leave them unattended and keep children and pets away as well. Make sure your grill is ready before you start.  Be sure to clean it thoroughly, inspect propane lines if you have a propane grill, and keep away from any flammable objects. Keep an extinguisher nearby and make sure you know how to cut off fuel lines if you are using propane.

Food Safety – Proper food safety during barbecues is how you can avoid people getting sick later. Avoid cross-contamination by washing your hands often when preparing the food and keeping raw meat away from other foods you are working with. Make sure foods stay at safe temperatures. Store cold foods on ice or refrigerated and don’t leave them out longer than an hour. Keep warm foods heated to at least 140°F until served. Cover all outdoor buffet dishes so insects stay off your food.

Campfires – This is a fun way to end an evening, when you gather your friends and family around the campfire and make smores, tell stories and laugh together. You just need to make sure you are careful before you start.  Make sure that any dried leaves in the area are removed before starting your fire.  Have a hose or bucket of water right next to you in case it is needed quickly.  Don’t let your fire get too high especially if there are trees nearby that may be hanging over it.  Keep children away from the fire.  Watch for embers that may fly into the grass and put them out right away.  And make sure the chocolate is good and melted from the golden brown marshmallow that you put on your graham crackers😉

Sun Safety – Spending time in the sun makes everyone happy.  Feeling the warmth on your face is just amazing. Be sure first though to use sunscreen of an appropriate SPF (ideally 15 or higher)  and make sure to reapply as necessary, especially if you are swimming. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and alternating it with a drink that will replace electrolytes as well such as Gatorade. Wear a hat to keep the sun off your face and sunglasses as well.  And then enjoy your time outdoors!

Travel Safety – Over the years, statistics have shown that tens of millions of Americans travel during Memorial Day Weekend. Prepare your car for road trips by making sure it is in top working condition. Check your tire pressure and oil level, make sure you have windshield wiper fluid filled and fill your tank before heading out on your trip and make sure you have a good spare tire with you.  You should also carry with you a bag of emergency essentials such as a first aid kit, flares, jumper cables, extra clothes, snacks and water bottles. Plan your drive ahead of time to choose direct routes on safe roads and keep an eye on weather forecasts to avoid driving into dangerous conditions. And of course, always wear your seat belt and make sure all your passengers do as well!

We hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and if John Scott Insurance can help you in anyway with your automobile insurance please don’t hesitate to reach out.  We are here for you!

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