Labor Day Weekend is here again. It’s a great time to reflect on everything that American workers have made possible. And (most of us) enjoy an added bonus: three uninterrupted days off. At Angel MedFlight World-Wide Air Ambulance—we are obsessed with safety—we want to make sure your three-day-weekend fun is at an all-time high and uninterrupted.
That’s why we’re bringing you some safety tips from the experts to help you keep your Labor Day weekend fun, memorable and emergency-free.
Here are five must-follow safety tips to keep you and your family safe this Labor Day weekend
1. Did someone say “Road-trip?”
According to the National Safety Council, almost 400 fatalities result from motor vehicle collisions every Labor Day Weekend. The streets and highways are going to be packed. If you’re planning on getting away, make sure to get plenty of rest, make frequent stops and share the driving duties if possible.
Also, stock your car with a vehicle emergency kit with necessities like flares, a flashlight, jumper cables, a tire gauge and a tool kit.
2. Fireworks?
Adding some extra sparkle to your holiday? The National Safety Council reports that kids between the ages of 10 and 14 are three times more likely to be injured with fireworks than anyone else. Even sparklers can create a serious injury. Keep your kids at a safe distance and your pets indoors.
Here are some basics to keep in mind before setting any fireworks off:
- Follow the directions on the package.
- Stow your fireworks in a dry, cool place safe from pets and kids.
- Keep a water supply nearby as a precaution.
- Only light one firework at a time – don’t ever relight a firework that malfunctions.
- Never point or throw a firework in the direction of anyone or anything flammable.
3. Drink in moderation.
Adult beverages and long weekends are often enjoyed together, but be careful of how much your drinking impacts your vision, coordination, reaction time and decision-making skills. Unfortunately, many of the patients we transport via air ambulance are injured while drinking on vacation. Being impaired in any way can leave you open to a lot of hazards.
How can you moderate your drinking?
- Try setting a limit ahead of time.
- Enjoy a glass of water after every alcoholic beverage.
- Use your favorite ride-hailing service – do not under any circumstances drive drunk.
- Avoid ATVS, boating, hiking, sports and horseback riding while consuming alcoholic beverages.
4. Keep your BBQ and chef safe.
Would it be a three-day weekend without some delicious BBQ? Every year people are injured while grilling out with their backyard charcoal or gas grills. Here are a few safety tips before you fire up your grill:
- Don’t grill indoors under any circumstances, (that includes in your house, tent, covered patio, camper or any enclosed area).
- Keep everyone who isn’t cooking (especially kids and pets) away from the grill.
- Make sure you have long-handled tools made for grilling.
- Don’t ever add charcoal starter fluid after your coals are ignited.
- Supervise your barbecue grill the entire time it’s in use.
5. Fun in the sun?
There’s nothing better than a day with family in the sun, but it’s important to be prepared:
- Wear a hat and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15 and reapply often! Minimize your direct sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m..
- Make sure you have your shades on hand and don’t go barefoot to avoid burning your feet.
- If it’s hot out near you then it’s critical to watch for signs of heat stroke, (this includes changes in consciousness, rapid or shallow breathing, and red skin). If you think someone is having heat stroke, quickly move them into a cooler place. Apply cool, wet towels to their skin and call 9-1-1 immediately. Monitor any signs of breathing issues – make sure the airway is clear and the person is lying down.
6. Hitting the lake?
Boating is perfect for Labor Day Weekend, but be prepared:
- Make sure the boat you’re using is in working mechanical condition.
- Carry safety equipment onboard, including an emergency kit, safety first aid kit, and personal flotation devices.
- Avoid restricted areas and make sure you are following the rules of the water.
- Tell someone onshore where you’re heading, when you’re planning to return, and make sure to let them know when you have.
While we understand that some of these tips may seem obvious, they can also save lives. At Angel MedFlight World Wide Air Ambulance, we just want to help you have the safest and most enjoyable Labor Day Weekend possible.
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