Be Ready for a Safe Labor Day Weekend

John Bobel

September 3, 2021

It’s Labor Day weekend. Time to get out the grill, go on a long weekend, tailgate, or go boating. But like always, it’s a good idea to make sure that you do all of these things safely. This year especially, things are a little less safe than usual. So here’s a rundown on how to travel or tailgate safely.

The forecast for the Labor Day weekend is warm and sunny, now that Hurricane Ida is gone. So if you are going to spend time outside, there are a few things you should do. First, make sure that you have plenty of sunscreen to keep from getting sunburned. Second, stay in the shade and limit heavy activity in the heat so that you don’t get a heat-related illness. Likewise, try to have a pair of sunglasses handy. You can find heat-related tips here.

The next thing to remember is your food. Make sure that all of your cooking surfaces are cleaned beforehand, and wash your hands regularly when you grill. Rinse your produce with clean water, and use a thermometer to make sure your meat is cooked properly. There’s no such thing as rare chicken or hot dogs. And of course, make sure to separate your food as you cook it. Learn more here. 

If you’re going camping or hiking, make sure you let friends and family know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Here’s our advice on what to do before, during, and after your outdoor excursion. Take a NOAA ALL-Hazards Weather Radio with you, so you’ll get alerts for storms and other hazardous weather conditions.

If you’re going out boating, take the time to make sure that your vessel has an emergency radio, fire extinguisher, and enough life jackets for everyone. And if a storm starts, don’t take the risk. Get back on land so that you don’t get hurt if the boat’s struck by lightning. By that same token, if you’re going somewhere by car, get some water and tools if it breaks down. More information here.

And lastly, we are still in a pandemic. So if you’re going out to tailgate at the UK game, wear a mask and practice social distancing.