The Red Cross gives tips for a nice and safe Labor Day

Whether in the water, barbecuing or spending time outdoors,

Here are the steps you should take to stay safe

As we all head outside to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather this Labor Day, the American Red Cross of the South Florida Region recommends steps you can follow to stay safe.

“Here in South Florida, many of us enjoy spending time outdoors with our loved ones as we celebrate this Labor Day weekend,” said Tiffany Gonzalez, Regional Communications Director. “The Red Cross wants you to avoid any danger, no matter what your plans entail, and offers steps you can follow to have a safe summer.” Visit redcross.org/summersafety for more information.

WATER SAFETY Drowning can happen quickly and silently. If a drowning person is not rescued, it can take just 20 to 60 seconds for them to submerge.

Learn to be safe, make good decisions, learn to swim and deal with emergencies.
Ensure constant, active adult supervision and make sure you can swim.
Swim in an area with lifeguards. Designate a “water watcher” to keep a close eye on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
Wear your life jacket.
Grab or throw, don’t run! In an emergency, grab or throw an object to the person in distress. Don’t go in! You could become a victim yourself.
Swimming lessons are available for both children and adults. Visit redcross.org/watersafety to find a map of swimming lesson providers in your area.
Download the Red Cross Swimming app for safety tips, kid-friendly videos and activities, and take the free online Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers course in English or Spanish.

PICNIC AND BARBECUE SAFETY Summer is a great time for an outdoor picnic or barbecue. Follow these tips to prevent illness and keep everyone safe:

Wash your hands, utensils and work area before preparing food.
Separate raw meat, poultry and seafood from ready-to-eat foods such as salads, fruits, vegetables, cheese and desserts. Use separate plates and cutlery to avoid cross-contamination.
Bring hand sanitizer if there are no hand washing facilities at your picnic site.
When cooking on the grill, bring a food thermometer to ensure that the grilled food is cooked adequately.
Always supervise a grill during use.
Do not add barbecue lighter if the coals are already lit.
Never grill indoors.
Make sure all people, including pets, stay away from the grill.
Place the grill outdoors, away from the house, patio, branches or other objects that could catch fire.
Use long-handled tools specifically designed for grilling to ensure the safety of the cook.
Wash your hands before preparing food.
Do not leave food in direct sunlight. Store perishable foods in a cooler with plenty of ice or ice gel packs.

OUTDOOR SAFETY Whether you are camping or just enjoying nature, follow these tips:

When planning a camping trip, be sure to research the ability level of the people in your group and the environment around you. Plan accordingly.
Pack a first aid kit.
Take a Red Cross first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation course and download the First Aid app.
Watch for sprains, falls and dehydration.
Share your travel plans and locations with a family member, neighbor or friend.
Bring nutritious food and water, light clothing to layer up with, and supplies for any pets you may have.
Outdoors, you are at a higher risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and ticks. When outdoors, use insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). Be sure to follow the directions on the package.
Stay indoors at dusk and dawn, as this is when mosquitoes are most active.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and tuck the pants legs into your socks or boots.
Fasten the pants to the socks with an elastic band or tape so that nothing can get under the clothing.
Tuck your shirt into your pants. Wear light-colored clothing so you can more easily spot small insects or ticks.
When hiking in forests and fields, stay in the middle of the trails. Avoid undergrowth and tall grass.
If you spend a long time outdoors, check your body several times a day. Pay particular attention to hairy areas of your body, such as the back of your neck and scalp.
After spending time outdoors, carefully check yourself for insects or ticks, or have someone else do it for you.
If you have pets that are outdoors, spray with a repellent appropriate for their breed/species. Apply the repellent according to the directions and check your pet frequently for ticks.
Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by draining standing water outside the home, such as from flower pots, buckets and barrels.

Download the FREE Red Cross first aid app So you know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the FREE Emergency App for weather alerts, Red Cross shelter openings, and safety measures for various emergencies. Choose whether you want to view content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find this and all Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/apps.

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