BY FIRE CHIEF SAM DIGIOVANNA

Many of you will be off Memorial Day weekend. With temperatures warming up, most places will be crowded with those enjoying Memorial Day weekend.

Situational awareness will be key to your safety.

Below are some tips and reminders to keep everyone safe while making it a “Memorable Memorial Day Weekend.” Share them with your family and friends!

Travel Safety

  • Buckle up, slow down, and do not drive impaired.
  • Be well rested, alert and patient; give your full attention to the road. Do not text and drive.
  • Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive.
  • Have patience and be a courteous driver.

Water Safety

Paddle board? Jet Ski? Surfing? It is all harmless fun, right? Fun, certainly. But think before you play. Whatever the activity, observe these three cardinal rules.

  • Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
  • Know local weather conditions. Make sure the water and weather conditions are safe. Let others know when you hit the water and when you plan to return.
  • Swimming pools. Make sure everyone knows how to swim. Do not swim alone or leave children unattended.
  • Let someone know where and what time you are leaving and intend on returning.

Barbecue Safety

This fun seasonal ritual has a flip side, though — namely, an onset of injuries and home fires due to careless cooking practices. Here are some tips you can follow to stay safe while enjoying those tasty treats at your cookout.

  • Never grill indoors or unattended – not in your house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
  • Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
  • Hot grease or ashes could spill from the grill onto the wooden deck or into dry leaves or grass.

Hiking Safety

  • Watch out for rattlesnakes.
  • Let others know your destination and time of departing and returning.
  • Bring fluids (water) and stay hydrated.
  • Wear appropriate clothing.
  • Wear sunscreen.

The most important thing is always practicing common sense and “situational awareness!”

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