There’s one thing I always say to my kids when I know they’re hanging out with family or friends on a holiday weekend.
“Be smart! Be safe! Have fun!”
Your Memorial Day weekend can be fun and safe at the same time. It’s normally a fun-filled weekend because it’s one of the first chances to be in the water, grill out, and enjoy the weather. While no particular Memorial Day activity is unsafe, the combination of festivals, travel, boating, swimming, food, and alcohol requires us to be extra conscious about safety.
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your holiday adventures are as safe as possible.
If you’ll be traveling, traffic will be heavier than normal. When driving, follow these tips:
Don’t drink and drive. Designate a driver, please.
Watch for motorcycles.
Follow the speed limit.
Eliminate distracting driving, like texting on cellphones.
Remain alert and drive defensively.
If you’ll be on the water, there will be lots of boaters and swimmers. On the water, remember to:
Know weather conditions before/throughout the day.
Have a swim buddy in all areas.
Constantly supervise children in or near the water.
Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear life jackets.
If you’ll be cooking out, be mindful of the dangers. When grilling, be sure to:
Keep the grill away from anything that could catch fire, like the house or tree branches.
Keep children and pets away from the grill.
Do not use charcoal starter or lighter fluid once coals have already ignited.
Keep your grill clean.
One thing that can help protect you no matter your holiday weekend activities is a Personal Umbrella Policy. If you’re involved in an accident or a guest is injured on your property, you could be held liable. A Personal Umbrella Policy provides coverage above and beyond your primary auto or home policies for an extra layer of protection.
