Labor day is known for celebrating American workers with barbecues, day trips, picnics, and more! Many families utilize this holiday as their last summer getaway before sending their kids back to school. As these parties and festivities may seem fun, how often do we forget about the safety of it all? Many of us get so caught up in the fun that we forget about our safety, our children’s safety, and even our pet’s safety. We’re here to give you some Labor Day safety tips to keep you and the whole family safe this holiday!

The grill

Whether you plan on using a gas or charcoal grill, the same safety precautions can be taken for both. These tips include the following:

• Keep your grill at least 10ft. away from your home, garage, shed, and porch. Grills should also never be placed near or under any decks, especially if they are wooden. Be sure to have a safe place to put your grill before lighting her up! And remember, 10ft. is just the average space to have between your house and the grill. The farther away from the house, the better!
• Clean your grill before use. During the summer months, it would be a good idea to clean your grill regularly so that you have lower chances of flare ups due to old foods and grease.
• Keep party decorations away from the grill. These decorations can include hanging decorations, tablecloths, banners, balloons, flags, and more! Although they may look pretty, they could also end up being fuel to your fire.
• Keep all pets away from the grill. We all love our furry four legged friends, but we also know that they can be nosey and curious of objects that surround them. Be sure to have a fenced in area for them to play or have someone look after them while you operate the grill.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby when using the grill. We all know that accidents happen and flare ups can occur. That is why it is so important to have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of a fire breaking out.

Hydration

Soda and juice might be tastier, but you should still hydrate your body with water. If you’re hosting a party, set out coolers full of bottled water and encourage your guests to drink more water than they are soda. If you are attending a party, be sure to bring water to keep you and the other guests hydrated throughout the day. Remember this tip: If your urine is yellow, you are dehydrated and not drinking enough water!

Sunscreen

It may be the end of summer, but the sun is still stronger than ever. If you plan on being out in the sun all day, whether by the pool, by the lake, or at a picnic, you still need sunscreen. One should apply sunscreen before they head out in the sun and reapply as necessary. Here are some helpful tips to keep you and your family free from burns:

• Purchase a sunscreen that provides UVA and UVB protection. Ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays are known for causing sunburns and skin damage, while ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays increase your chances of skin cancer.
• Use SPF 30 or higher. The SPF in your sunscreen absorbs and reflects the sun’s rays so they don’t burn or damage your skin.
• Apply sunscreen before leaving the house. Your skin can take up to a half-hour to absorb sunscreen. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead and apply sunscreen 30 minutes before leaving the house.
• Reapply every 2 hours. Sunscreen typically wears off after a couple of hours. To prevent burns and sun damage, set an alarm to apply sunscreen every 2 hours.

Traveling

Road-trip anyone? A holiday weekend is one of the busiest times on the road. Families are out traveling to beaches, lakes, parks, and other destinations to celebrate. Before heading out, make sure you plan accordingly. Get enough sleep, inspect the car for any future troubles, locate rest stops on your route, and bring both a first aid kit and an emergency kit because you never know what could happen.

Alcohol

It is no surprise that parties and alcohol go hand in hand. But before letting it get too out of hand, set a limit for yourself. Once you set an alcohol limit, stick to it. Be sure to drink one glass of water in between every alcoholic drink to help keep hydrated and pace your alcohol consumption. If you notice someone around you has surpassed their limit, be sure to look after them and take away their car keys.

Fireworks

What is a celebration without fireworks! While they are fun, flashy and festive, many of us forget the potential injuries they can cause. If you choose to use your own fireworks, be sure to only light one at a time, set them off at the recommended distance, and never allow any horseplay while fireworks are being set up or ignited. Be sure to also watch children if they are playing with sparklers because these too can cause serious injuries.

From all of us here at Stanton Insurance, we wish you a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!