05/22/2026
Memorial Day Safety
To help keep you and your family, friends and neighbors safe Memorial Day weekend and all summer long, top safety tips related to alcohol, pools and fires.
Grills and smokers, while creating delicious cookout fare, have a great potential for danger. It is very important that a lit or hot grill is never left unattended; a responsible adult should stand guard as “grillmaster” to control flames and keep children and animals away from hot surfaces. Before your first grill of the year and often during grilling season, make sure your grill ready for the job. Keep it clean of grease, inspect propane fuel lines, and position your grill away from structures, trees and high-traffic walkways. You should also take any precautions in case a flare-up or fire were to occur; keep an extinguisher nearby and make sure to know how to cut off fuel lines if you are using propane.
If you spend time in the sun, be sun safe!
Use sunscreen of an appropriate SPF and make sure to reapply as necessary, especially if you are swimming or sweating. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to keep cool. And don’t forget your eyes – wear a hat and sunglasses!
Memorial Day Travel Safety
Tens of millions of Americans travel during Memorial Day Weekend, so it is especially important to include safety into your weekend travel plans. Prepare your car for road trips by making sure your car is in top working condition; check your tire pressure and fill your tank before heading out on your trip, and make sure you are equipped with emergency essentials. Plan your drive ahead of time to choose direct routes on safe roads and keep an eye on weather forecasts to avoid driving with dangerous conditions. Never drive after drinking, travel with anyone who has been drinking, or allow anyone who has been drinking to drive. And of course, when you are driving, always wear your safety belt!
Top Safety Tips
1. Drink in moderation—no more than one alcoholic drink per hour.
2. Don’t drink alone. No one will be there to call 911 or take you to the emergency room if you experience alcohol poisoning, or if you get hurt and need immediate medical attention.
3. Don’t drive a car or operate heavy machinery, no matter how much alcohol you’ve had. This includes not riding on ATVs, working on a car or using lawn equipment, all examples of activities that have resulted in injuries requiring more intense emergency care.
4. Don’t drink when caring for small children.
5. Never leave a child unattended around a pool.
6. Be careful when you’re grilling and drinking, and never leave a grill unattended if it’s uncovered. Both increase the chances of burns, as an unattended, uncovered grill may result in a fire.
7. When setting a bonfire or other type of outdoor fire, be mindful that the wind can suddenly change direction. If you’re not careful and are too close to the fire, you or others close by may get burned.
8. If a fire does get out of control and you don’t have a fire extinguisher to put it out, call 911 right away.
Share these Memorial Day safety tips with your friends and family, and have a safe and happy holiday!
Remember we’re here if you need us.
