Tips for a safe holiday weekend

The Charles County Volunteer Fire and EMS Associations offer some common sense tips for a safe and healthy Memorial Day weekend.

When using a grill, be sure to clean it thoroughly to remove any grease or dust. Check for gas leaks. Use the grill outside, not in a garage, porch, and at least 10 feet from your home and combustibles. If you plan to use a fire pit, be sure to put out fire completely before leaving it unattended. Never use a grill on any balcony of apartments or condominiums. Never use gasoline to ignite a grill; only use approved ignition fluids.

Do not allow children and pets to play near a grill; remember a 10 foot safety area around your grill. Keep a fire extinguisher near your grill. Charcoal ashes and used briquettes need to be disposed of in a metal container and allowed to cool down before disposal. Keep ash container off of your wooden deck and away from your home.

Don’t swim alone and wear a life vest while boating. Don’t rely on floatation devices to protect your children from drowning. Supervise children at all times in and near the water. Keep a cell phone nearby should you need to call 911.

Don’t drink and drive or travel with anyone who is intoxicated. Wear your seatbelt at all times. Make sure your vehicle has been serviced before a long road trip. If you are using your wipers; turn on your headlights. If you come upon emergency vehicles at the scene of an emergency, move over. Familiarize yourself with your surroundings and know where the nearest medical care facility is in case of an emergency.