Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday which occurs every year on the last Monday of May.  It is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the US Armed Forces.  It originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War.  Today, we honor all Americans who have died while in the military service.  Many people visit cemeteries and memorials to honor those who have died in military service.  It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season and has become a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family gatherings, fireworks and national media events.

As Memorial Day approaches and you start to plan your holiday weekend, we recommend that safety be a top priority.  Here are some tips to keep your holiday safe and enjoyable.

1. Food Safety

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before handling food and after handling raw poultry or meat. To guard against cross-contamination of bacteria, keep uncooked meats away from other foods.
• Cook foods thoroughly, especially ground beef, poultry, and pork.
• Refrigerate all perishable food within two hours.

2. Fire Safety

• 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, or other enclosed space.
• If you plan to use a fire pit, be sure to put out fire completely before leaving it unattended.
• Do not park your vehicle on grass as the hot exhaust can easily ignite dry vegetation.

3. Water Safety

• Don’t swim alone.
• Wear a life vest while boating.
• Supervise children at all times in and near the water.

4. Sun Safety

• Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Apply it generously throughout the day.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.

5. Travel Safety

• Don’t drink and drive or travel with anyone who has been drinking.
• Wear your seatbelt at all times.
• Make sure your vehicle has been serviced before a long road trip.
• Familiarize yourself with your surroundings and know where the nearest emergency room is in case of an emergency.

*Source:  www.mass.gov/consumer