Memorial Day Safety Tips 

Swim Safely 

Memorial Day weekend often kicks off the summer season, and what better way to kick off the summer season than with a trip to the pool? If you’re going on a trip to the pool, make sure that you’re swimming safely. Never swim alone, especially in a private pool—like the one in your backyard. If you have children, someone should always be watching them. While lifeguards are on duty at public pools, it can be very difficult to see someone drowning, especially if your child is small, wearing a swimsuit that’s a color that’s difficult to see under water, or not making a lot of noise—and most people who are drowning tend not to make a lot of noise. Do not rely on lifeguards to spot your child in time. Make sure you are watching your children at all times. Do not go swimming if you’ve had alcohol or other substances that may impair your judgment and/or ability to swim.  

Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving 

What’s a burger without a beer, right? Well, you should consider having a non-alcoholic beer or stick to diet coke if you’re going to be the one driving home after the BBQ. While it may be that you’re able to operate a motor vehicle without impairment after just one beer, there’s no guarantee that you will actually be able to do so. This is especially true for women who are petite and weigh around 100 lbs or less. Remember, there’s no telling exactly how much alcohol is too much since there’s so much variance from each individual person. Therefore, it is in your best interests—and the best interest of literally everyone else on the road and in the car with you—for you not to drive if you’ve had anything at all to drink. Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the 100 deadliest days. The 100 deadliest days are the days between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend where roadside fatalities increase substantially. Do not let drinking and driving be the reason that another person was killed on the road.  

Know Your Local Firework Laws 

Know your local firework laws and do not set off illegal fireworks. While some states allow people to set fireworks off during Memorial Day weekend, others prohibit this. Check your local laws before purchasing fireworks and setting them off. Make sure the fireworks you’ve purchased are legal as well. You should never make your own fireworks. If children will be attending your firework show, make sure they are standing a safe distance away from the fireworks. Do not allow children to light and set off fireworks. Children should not immediately be given sparklers either. Sparklers burn at such a high temperature that they can cause certain metals to melt. Do not give your children sparklers unless you’re certain of their maturity and ability to conduct themselves appropriately. Fireworks should not be set off in heavily wooded areas where there are lots of trees, nor should they be set off in areas where there’s a lot of traffic. Make sure that you dispose of all fireworks safely.  

Grill Safely 

Much like fireworks, grills are HOT. If you’ve got little ones running around, make sure that they don’t come into contact with a grill. The best way to do this is to make sure an adult is always by the grill while it’s in use. Do not allow children to serve themselves from the grill. When you’re cooking food, make sure that you have an internal thermometer for all meats that were not fully cooked prior to opening the package. Different meats have different temperatures that they should reach before they’re considered safe to eat. Make sure you know the internal temperature necessary for each meat you’re cooking up. Food borne illness may occur if a person consumes undercooked meat, so it’s very important that the meats are cooked thoroughly, especially if you’re cooking for a pregnant woman as those expecting can have more dire consequences for food borne illnesses. 

Remember, It’s HOT 

It may not be officially summer, but depending on where you’re located, it may be officially hot. Make sure that you’re wearing sunscreen when you go outside. If you have children, you’ll want to make sure that they’re wearing sunscreen as well. This is particularly important for babies and toddlers—and babies and toddlers will likely need additional protection such as a hat. They may also not be able to be outside for as long. Make sure your children and guests are well hydrated as well. It doesn’t have to be particularly hot for someone to have a heat stroke, so keep an eye out for that as well. If you’re hosting this year’s BBQ, it may be a good idea to keep your house open in case guests need some cool air. 

Moxie Law Group Thanks You for Your Service 

At Moxie Law Group, we’re wishing all those who have served a happy Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and a lovely summer. Stay safe out there!