Memorial Day Safety

CSFA COMMUNITY RISK REDUCTION

Below are some tips and reminders to keep everyone safe while making it a “Memorable Memorial Day Weekend.” Share them with your community, local press, news, cable TV for a Community Risk Reduction Reminder.

With temperatures warming up, most places will be crowded with those enjoying Memorial Day weekend. Situational awareness will be key to safety.

Travel Safety

• Buckle up, slow down, and do not drive impaired.
• Be well rested, alert and patient; give your full attention to the road. Do not text and drive.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive.
• Have patience and be a courteous driver.

Water Safety

Paddle board? Jet Ski? Surfing? It is all harmless fun, right? Fun, certainly. But think before you play. Whatever the activity, observe these three cardinal rules.

• Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Know local weather conditions. Make sure the water and weather conditions are safe. Let others know when you hit the water and when you plan to return.
• Swimming pools. Make sure everyone knows how to swim. Do not swim alone or leave children unattended.
• Let someone know where and what time you are leaving and intend on returning.

Barbecue Safety

This fun seasonal ritual has a flip side, though — namely, an onset of injuries and home fires due to careless cooking practices. Here are some tips you can follow to stay safe while enjoying those tasty treats at your cookout.

• Never grill indoors or unattended – not in your house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
• Hot grease or ashes could spill from the grill onto the wooden deck or into dry leaves or grass.

Hiking Safety

• Watch out for rattlesnakes.
• Let others know your destination and time of departing and returning.
• Bring fluids (water) and stay hydrated.
• Wear appropriate clothing.
• Wear sunscreen.

The most important thing is always practicing common sense and situational awareness!

Editor’s note: California State Firefighters Association is honored to help your agency with Community Risk Reduction articles for you to use for your agency’s social media, press releases to local media, cable tv, or presentations to community organizations etc. These articles are intended to reduce fires, accidents, and injuries by sharing these within your community. This week’s article is designated for Wildfire Preparedness Day which is May 4th . This article and its content can be used at your discretion at any time you feel is appropriate for your community. Do you need other resources for Community Risk Reduction or do you have questions on how to best use these resources? Feel free to contact [email protected] 

Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale and Associate Director for the Calif Training Officers Assoc. He also is a consultant for Lexipol www.Lexipol.com