Labor Day Weekend has arrived! It’s our last big
hurrah of the summer, and everyone wants to have some fun. Whether you’re
traveling this weekend or bringing the party to your home, there are some
safety tips we urge everyone to keep in mind when having fun.
If you’re visiting friends, family, or just getting
away on a mini-vacation, be extra cautious of the highways and roads while
driving. More than 42,000 people suffer fatal car accidents each year, and
Labor Day Weekend is one of the peak weekends for accidents. If you are driving
anywhere, make sure your car is in proper working order and that you are well
rested (and if you are above the legal drinking age, also 100% sober). Don’t
forget to enforce the seatbelt rule for everyone in your car.
Since Labor Day is the last official weekend of
summer, we know most people are going to enjoy it by some sort of body of
water. Whether it’s the beach, a lake, or just your own swimming pool, always
keep an eye on everyone in your party if they are in or near the water, no
matter how experienced of a swimmer they are. If you’re out boating, take extra
precautions around swimmers and near the shore. Remember: driving the boat is
the same as driving a car; don’t do it if you’ve been drinking at all.
It wouldn’t be Labor Day weekend without some
serious barbequing, would it? There are a few things to keep in mind when it
comes to all the great food you’ll be eating. If you’re helping get the food
ready for a party, make sure to wash your hands often, don’t leave perishables
out of the fridge for more than two hours, and never mix utensils and plates
with raw and cooked food. When it comes to the grill, make sure you keep the
kids away. Not only can they be a distraction to the cook, but they can
accidentally burn themselves if they touch anything, something we know kids
love to do.
Last, but not least, no matter what you do this weekend;
we’re willing to bet you’ll be spending some time outside. While you should be wearing
sunscreen every day, it’s vital that you wear it this weekend. It’s still summer
and the sun is powerful, even if it’s cloudy out! Reapply often, especially if
you’re spending your weekend by the water or mostly outdoors. Taking precaution
against skin disease by wearing sunscreen is one of the easiest ways to protect
yourself and your family.
Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be sure to have a
few days of fun in the sun before heading back to work or school. We hope everyone
has a great Labor Day Weekend!