Memorial Day Weekend Safety

Emily Fay

May 25, 2024

Memorial Day weekend is upon us! Usually, we look forward to spending time with friends and family outside. With strong storms headed our way, this year’s celebrations may look a little different. If you do get a chance to spend time with loved ones outside, here are some tips to keep you safe.

Weather Safety

It’s important to have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially if the storms are expected to arrive at night.

• If you are planning on camping this weekend, monitor the weather closely and have a secondary, inside location prepared.
• Make sure the volume on your weather radio is turned up. Move the radio to where you can hear it at night.
• Monitor local weather channels for updates in your area.
• Sign up for LexAlerts! LexAlerts will send you notifications by text, phone call, email, and assisted listening devices.

Water Safety

• Always wear a life jacket that fits properly whenever you are on a boat.
• Never drink and drive a boat.
• Designate an adult to watch children swimming in lakes, the beach, the pool, or even a hot tub.
• Never swim alone. Try to stay within the eyesight of a lifeguard station or supervising adult.

Grilling/Fire Safety

• Never leave a grill or fire unattended, and extinguish all fires completely.
• If grilling with charcoal, make sure the coals are completely cool before disposal.
• Keep grills, bonfires, and fire pits away from low-hanging branches and materials that can easily catch fire.
• Make sure your grill is properly cleaned before firing it up for the weekend. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Never add starter fuel to already-ignited charcoal.
• ALWAYS keep children and pets away from the grill and fire pit.

Sun Safety

This Memorial Day Weekend may not include a sunny forecast, but you can still get a sunburn. 80% of the sun’s UV rays can get through the clouds and cause a painful “cloud burn.” Temperatures are expected to be in the 80s, so it may not feel hot outside. However, the inside of a car can reach 100+ degrees when left in the sun.

• Wear SFP 15 or higher sunscreen, apply it 30 minutes before exposure, and reapply every 2 hours.
• Use sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes. Drink plenty of water while celebrating outdoors.
• If you or a family member feels faint or nauseous, move them to a cool place immediately. If necessary, apply cold compresses to the back of their neck and forehead to help lower their body temperature.
• If you have children, schedule their outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon. Do not leave them unsupervised on a hot day.

Travel Safety

• Always wear seat belts and make sure child car seats are properly installed.
• Plan your trip beforehand and give yourself extra travel time.
• Never drink and drive.
• Never allow yourself or anyone else to get into a car with someone who has been drinking.