By Chief Sam DiGiovanna
Whether on duty or you are off. Remember, traffic will be high. An estimated just under 40 million will be hitting the road this Memorial Day weekend, despite rising gas prices.
If you are on duty, think about your first-in district. Remote area rescues with hikers out, people picnicking in the park, pools, lakes and swimming, barbeques, beach with high surf and rip tides and, of course, lots of traffic on our roadways will increase calls. Not to mention with the tender dry brush, we’ll likely see vegetation fires. Discuss with your crew the possibilities you may be responding to this weekend and be prepared.
If you are off duty, you will likely be doing some fun activities with family and friends. Either way, situational awareness will be key to your safety whether on or off duty.
Below are some tips and reminders to keep everyone safe while making it a “Memorable Memorial Day Weekend.” Share them with your family, friends, and co-workers!
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.
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 four 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.
- 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 to practice common sense and “situational awareness” at all times!
Chief Sam DiGiovanna is a 35-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. He also is a consultant for Cordico www.Cordico.com, Lexipol www.Lexipol.com & Fortress North America Fortress