Memorial Day weekend unofficially kicks off summer.
Backyard barbecues, cooling off at the pool, camping and roasting marshmallows are the highlights of every holiday celebration.
However, without a little preparation, a preventable accident could ruin your holiday fun, according to a news release.
“We want everyone to have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend spending time with family and friends,” said Dr. Najee Abou-Arraj, medical director of Mercy Health — Lorain’s emergency department in the release. “Please remember to celebrate safely and responsibly.
“Don’t let an unfortunate accident ruin your holiday celebration.”
Abou-Arraj has offered tips on how to make sure you and your family stay safe while enjoying the weekend as well as the summer months to come.
Grilling
• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be used well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave the grill unattended.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
• Use caution when using starter fluid, only use charcoal starter fluid and never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid away from children and way from heat sources.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
Campfires
• Watch children while fire is burning. Never let children and pets play or stand too close to the fire.
• Attend to the campfire at all times.
• Keep a campfire small which is easier to control.
• Never use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids.
• Always have a hose, bucket of water or shovel and dirt/sand nearby to put a fire out.
• If your clothes catch on fire, cover your face and stop, drop and roll until the fire is out.
• Treat a burn right away. Cool the burn with cool water for three to five minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth. Get medial help if needed.
Water safety
• Never leave your child unattended in the water.
• Always supervise children when in or around water. A responsible adult should constantly watch young children.
• When you are watching children, do not be distracted by phone calls, text messages, reading or talking to others.
• Teach your kids to swim. Formal swimming lessons can protect your child from drowning.
• Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); you can save a life.
• Install a four-sided fence around home pools.
• Have a phone close by in case of an emergency.
• If a child is missing, check the water first.
Sometimes, no matter how much you prepare, accidents happen, the release said.
In those emergency situations, time is of the essence and that’s why Mercy Health is committed to providing you and your family with a fast diagnosis and treatment.
Learn more about the emergency services we offer at mercy.com.
