Community Corner

Memorial Day Safety Tips to Make the Holiday a Great One

Hot and sunny weather is expected today and many people will be travelling to spend time outside enjoying friends and family while barbequing or swimming; make safety a priority so a good time is had by all.

The Memorial Day holiday is a time where people gather to respect and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 

It also is a time where many travel near and far to gather with friends and family, while enjoying outdoor activities such as barbeques and splashing around in the pool.

The American Red Cross has published some safety tips on how to make sure your holiday is as safe as possible, and creates a great memory for years to come.

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Car Travel

Among the suggestions are to be well rested before starting your trip, always use seat belts and observe speed limits. If you drink alcohol, remember to designate a driver before the party begins.

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Additional tips:

Being prepared for the unexpected is also suggested. Tips including filling your gas tank up before you start your trip, and letting someone know where you plan to go and the route you plan to take.  Then if you have car trouble or an emergency occurs, you will be more easily found.

Packing water bottles and snacks along with an emergency preparedness kit is a great idea if you happen to get stuck. Also, tune in to local radio stations that broadcast traffic and weather so you know what you are heading into.

Water Safety

More than 20-percent of people who die from drowning are children 14 years of age or younger each year, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Children from age one to four have the highest drowning rates of all. And, for every child who dies, four others receive emergency care for non-fatal injuries.  Those injuries still can cause brain damage and long-term disabilities that may last for a lifetime.

The American Red Cross suggests a number of steps to ensure your child doesn’t become another statistic.

Constantly supervise children by being within an arm’s length of them, and use barriers around pools or hot tubs at home to stop unsupervised access. Be prepared if an emergency occurs by having a phone within reach, life jackets and a first aid kit.

If a child is missing, the American Red Cross suggests checking the water first, because mere seconds can make a difference between life, death or permanent disability.

Safe Grilling Tips

The Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association wants you to remember a fun barbeque is a safe barbeque-common sense and planning ahead can help you achieve that.  

When in doubt, read the directions.  Always read the owner’s manual to ensure you have assembled your grill correctly.  The manufacturer can be contacted with questions. 

Only grilling outside in well-ventilated areas is also suggested.  Using a grill in any enclosed area can cause death due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Other tips include using long-handled utensils, wearing non-flammable, form fitting clothing and having baking soda and a fire extinguisher close by in case of a fire.  If you don’t have an extinguisher, a bucket of sand or a garden hose are suggested as alternatives.

Buffalo Grove Patch wishes you a happy, healthy and restful Memorial Day holiday.


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