How to have a safe and fun Memorial Day with five easy tips

 

Memorial Day. The official start of summer!

Whether your planning a BBQ or hittin' the road for the weekend, our five easy tips are sure to make this Memorial Day weekend a safe and fun one.

 

Buckle up. Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the "100 Deadliest Days of Summer" as more and more of us are on the road. In fact, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety, the motor vehicle crash death rate nearly DOUBLES on Utah roads this weekend compared to the rest of the year. The best way to protect yourself and those in our car is to wear a seat belt. Every. Single. Rid. And for kids, make sure they're in a car seat or booster seat, according to their height and weight. Learn more about staying safe on the road at http://health.utah.gov/vipp. 

 
Be water aware. Drowning can happen in seconds and is often silent. Unfortunately, it's all too common for a young child to wander off during a family gathering and fall into an open body of water, like a pond, stream, or pool. Designate a "child watcher" anytime you're around water. Put away distractions like phones and actively watch kids when water is nearby. And everyone should wear a life jacket when boating. Learn more about water safety at http://health.utah.gov/vipp/kids/water-safety/index.html.

 Beware the food "danger zone." Don't put cooked food on the same plates or surfaces that held raw meat or chicken. Cook burgers, steaks, chicken, fish, pork, and other meats to the proper temperatures. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Never leave food between 40-140 degrees for more than two hours; one hour if the temperature outside is above 90 degrees. Learn more about the food "danger zone" at http://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/2016/05/memorial-day-danger-zone.html. 

 Remember your DEET. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases like West Nile Virus and Zika virus. And different mosquitoes bite at different times of the day. The mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are found in Utah. They are most active from dusk to dawn. The best way to avoid mosquito bites is to use insect repellent that contains DEET when you go outdoors. You can also wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks to avoid bites. Mosquito proof your home by removing standing water. Learn more about preventing West Nile Virus at http://health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/WNV/.

 Wear sunscreen. No one wants a fun weekend ruined by a painful sunburn! Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with at least SPF15 before you go outside, even on cloudy or cool days. Re-apply at least every two hours or immediately after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Seek shade during peak sun hours, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. And cover up with broad-rimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses. Learn more about sun safety at http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm.

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