25 Ways to Stay Safe in the Sun this Memorial Day Weekend

Warm weather is upon us this Memorial Day weekend!

Many people will be outside grilling, hiking, road-tripping, and boating.  As always, keep safety top of mind as you venture out in the sun.

Here are 25 safety tips to help ensure a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.

COVID-19

With the current COVID-19 pandemic, this Memorial Day weekend requires even more precaution and preparation. Look for specific rules or laws pertaining to the locations that you are driving through or visiting.  For instance, restaurants, beaches, and other recreational activities may not be available, or may require mandatory PPE, such as masks.  Also, limit or avoid large gatherings such as picnics, which are very popular around Memorial Day.

As always, practice good hygiene and stay home if you are sick.  Follow these CDC guidelines to protect yourself and others from the spread of disease this holiday weekend.

Warm Weather Driving

Peak vacation times are considered the most dangerous driving season because of increased road congestion from vacation travel and roadwork.

• Summer is a popular time for road construction. Slow down and look for signs, warnings, and pedestrians.
• Be aware of more motorcycles and bikers on the road. Keep a safe distance around cyclists.  Leave at least a 3-4 second distance.  Always signal in advance of a lane change.
• Be mindful that extra congestion can be from vacationers who are unfamiliar with the area. They may drive slow or miss road signs.

Road Trips

Planning an epic trip across the country?  A few key preparations will help keep your family safe and on target for all your sightseeing and adventures.

• Hot weather can lead to tire blowouts. Check for cracking, bulging, or breaks in tires, especially before a long trip.  Check inflation level and tread, too.
• Keep an emergency kit on your vehicle – include water, jumper cables, flashlight, spare tire kit, cell phone with charger, non-perishable food, first aid kit, and hazard triangles.
• Take breaks and stretch your legs often. Take turns driving. Avoid overnight driving if fatigue is too strong. It’s not worth the risk.
• 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.
• Avoid distractions, especially from children or pets in the backseat or calls or texts from your phone. Pull over if necessary.
• Have a backup in case your GPS fails. Bring a good old fashioned map.
• PPE can be essential for family driving! Wear the right footwear (avoid flip flops) and bring sunglasses to avoid sun glare. Polarized lenses work best.

Water Safety

Whether you’re cooling off this summer in a lake, ocean, or pool, always know the water conditions and follow these safety tips to keep everyone safe.

• Be proactive and teach kids to swim. Never leave a child unattended in or near water.  Avoid distraction like texting, reading, or socializing if you are the designated supervisor.
• Take a CPR class for children and adults.
• Always have life jackets snugly attached to children and have the proper amount of floatation devices for adults.
• Take a boater safety class.
• Only swim in designated areas, especially in open water.
• Know the dangers of the water environment you are using, for example, river currents, rip tides, water temperature & underwater hazards.

Fireworks

On average, 280 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday. Follow these fireworks safety tips to keep everyone safe.

• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities, especially sparklers.
• Keep water nearby.
• Never point or throw at another person.
• Find out if fireworks are legal in your area.
• Never re-light fireworks.

Visit www.cpsc.gov/ for even more fireworks safety tips.

Heat Stress

Heat stress can come on unexpectedly.  Know the signs so you can act quickly and avoid heat stress turning into heat stroke.

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

Check out these additional tips for working in the heat.

As we practice good safety in the upcoming holiday weekend, we thank those that have died in service to our country to make these freedoms possible.