The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Labor Day safety tips
Check the forecast, observe speed limits, beware currents
Monday is Labor Day, which for most people signals the unofficial end of summer.
It’s also a time when people opt to have one last big hurrah in the great outdoors.
The American Red Cross wants to remind people that cookouts and family vacations can come with safety hazards and that simple steps can help the long holiday weekend be a safe one.
Travel safety
Many families will hit the road some time over the three-day holiday weekend. For those traveling away, the Red Cross suggests you find out what disasters may occur where you are traveling and how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems).
Also, pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination. Will it be hot? Are storms expected? Plan accordingly.
Drive safely. Observe speed limits and other traffic laws. Use caution in work
zones. Buckle up, slow down and don’t drink and drive. Designate a driver who won’t drink.
Be well rested and alert; give your full attention to the road. Make frequent stops to rest.
Clean your vehicle’s lights and windows to help you see, especially at night. If your vehicle doesn’t have automatic lights, turn your headlights on as dusk approaches or during inclement weather. Don’t overdrive your headlights and be courteous of oncoming traffic if using brights.
If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway. If necessary, stand on the side of the car away from the road.
Let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
Rip currents
If a trip to the beach is part of your weekend plans, remember the possibility of rip currents, which are responsible for deaths on the nation’s beaches every year and for most of the rescues performed by lifeguards.
If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you can't swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near those structures.
Grilling safety
The Red Cross recommends that you always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
Also, never grill indoors — 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.
Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe. Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.
Pool safety
Warm weather also means swimming in backyard pools and relaxing in hot tubs. The Red Cross notes that more than 200 young children drown in backyard swimming pools each year.
Safety tips include secure pools with appropriate barriers: completely surround your pool with a 4-foot high fence or barrier with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
Place a safety cover on the pool or hot tub when not in use and remove any ladders or steps used for access.
Consider installing a pool alarm that goes off if anyone enters the pool.
Keep children under active supervision at all times. Stay in arm’s reach of young kids. Designate a responsible person to watch the water when people are in the pool—never allow anyone to swim alone.
Have young or inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.
Establish and enforce rules and safe behaviors, such as “no diving,” “stay away from drain covers,” “swim with a buddy” and “walk please.”
Ensure everyone in the home knows how to respond to aquatic emergencies by having appropriate safety equipment and taking water safety, first aid and CPR courses from the Red Cross.
For more information on how to be safe this Labor Day, visit redcross.org/prepare.