Memorial Day honors the brave men and women who lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces to protect our country. The holiday, which falls on Monday, May 27^th, also signifies the unofficial start to summer. Every year, hundreds of millions of Americans partake in parades, get togethers with their family and friends, and light up the grill to ring in Memorial Day. Before you, your friends and loved ones celebrate the upcoming holiday, be sure to read some travel, swimming, and cooking safety tips to make your time as fun and risk-free as possible.

Driving Safety Tips

On average, the NSC (National Safety Council) estimates that as many as 415 people will lose their lives traveling for the Memorial Day holiday. Luckily, the organization has plenty of useful pointers for getting safely to and from your holiday destination:

• Before driving, make sure you have gotten plenty of rest and are alert. Check your vehicle’s gas level, tire pressure, controls, and other features before you start your trip
• Make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing their seat belt. Observe all posted speed limits and follow all rules of the road
• Use caution in work zones
• Give your full attention to the road! Avoid distractions like cell phones, GPS navigation (map your trip out beforehand), eating, and drinking
• Make stops as frequently as you or your passengers need
• Turn on your headlights as dusk approaches, during inclement weather, and in active work zones
• Do not follow other vehicles too closely
• If you plan on drinking alcohol, have a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service
• If you are having car trouble, pull as far off the highway or road as far as you can

Staying Safe Around Water

Millions of Americans head to the beach, lake, or pool for the first time of the season over Memorial Day weekend. Whether you are new to swimming or have years of experience, it is still important to be careful. The American Red Cross (ARC) recommends:

• Do your part by being water smart! Make sure that every person in your family learns to swim well
• Adults should always actively supervise children. Stay within arm’s reach of children and newer swimmers of any age. Make sure kids follow the rules
• Make sure pools are fenced in. If you have a pool or spa, enclose it with a four-sided, four-foot fencing and self-closing, self-latching gates for protection and security
• If you are on a boat or in a swimming situation beyond your skill level, wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket
• Swim as a pair near a lifeguard’s chair. Everyone, no matter their age or level of experience, should swim in a pair and in an area protected by lifeguards
• If someone is in trouble or needs help, do not endanger yourself! Know when to call 9-1-1 and know how to perform CPR

Safety Tips for Grilling

Just like with traveling and swimming, unexpected injuries can happen during cooking, too. To reduce the chances of sustaining a preventable injury or cooking-related property damages, the ARC suggests:

• Always supervise a barbecue, stove, oven or other cooking equipment while in use
• Never grill indoors – not in your home, camper, tent, or in any other enclosed area
• Make sure everyone, including pets, stay away from the grill or stovetop
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything else that could catch fire
• Use long-handed tools made particularly for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe and prevent burns
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines when using a grill

Our team at Galfand Berger would like to wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend! If you need to speak with someone on our staff, you can contact a representative online now.

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If you have questions about filing a claim for injuries you sustained, contact the Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Galfand Berger LLP today. Call us at 800-222-USWA (8792) or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, we serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Allentown and Harrisburg.