The last Monday of May is days away, which is when we honor the troops who served in the United States armed forces and gave their lives for this great nation. On the one hand, Memorial Day is a commemorative occasion when we give appreciation for our military, but it is also a celebration of this country, the men and women currently serving, and a time to enjoy a day off work with family/friends.
Most Memorial Day celebrations involve outdoor activities, tasty food and warm weather. While you’re enjoying all that the holiday offers, remember the below safety tips to keep your family free from danger while getting ready for the festivities.
Grilling
• Move the grill away from siding and overhangs of the house
• Inspect the gas hose to ensure no leaks
• Clean all grease buildup from the grill
• Keep a working fire extinguisher close-by
• Make sure an adult is supervising at all times
Fire Pit
• Your fire pit should be located a safe distance away from the house
• Pour sand on the fire to extinguish it completely
• Coals should cool completely before disposing
Air Conditioning
• Change filters regularly
• Check outlets and wires for electrical issues
• Schedule A/C maintenance once a year
Cooking
• Move flammable material away from the stove top (oven mitts, plastic, towels)
• Keep children out of the kitchen
• Stay in the kitchen while cooking
Garden Hose
• Unless the label on your hose says “drinking water safe,” refrain from drinking from it
o Most water hoses contain toxic plastic
• Before using, let the water run for a few seconds to flush out any sitting water
• If you require a new hose, try a rubber hose that does not use harmful plastic
Fireworks
• Check with your local police dept. to make sure fireworks are legal in your area
• Do not let children play with fireworks
o Even sparklers can increase to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit! *kidshealth.org
• Place a bucket of water or hose nearby for accidental situations
• Point fireworks away from homes and explosive material
We hope these few tips will help keep your family safe during the 2015 Memorial Day weekend. Please remember that if you experience any damage to your property to Call Paul! We’re available 24/7 to assist with building destruction caused by fire, water, mold or storms.
-Your friends at Paul Davis