The Summer 2016 Holiday Season is upon us ! Many Ellwood Thompson customers are looking for a fun weekend. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind so that this Memorial Day weekend is not only fun — but safe for everyone.
1. Safe Driving. AAA says more that 38 Million Americans will be driving this Memorial Day — the most since 2005. So don’t drive while tired or while drinking. Make sure that everyone in the car is wearing a seat belt.
DO NOT DRIVE AGGRESSIVELY ! Reports indicate that nearly one-third of all motor vehicle collisions and two-thirds of all automobile-related fatalities involve aggressive driving.
2. Watch Out For Sun! With a lot of rain and unusually cooler weather in the past few weeks, this Memorial Day weekend is the first weekend this month where high temperatures and hot sun are expected. So don’t be caught by surprise. The Sun Safety Alliance says the Sun is strongest from 10am – 4pm during the day and the Alliance has many other good sun safety tips for your review. Be sure to stop by Ellwoods to get the very best in natural and effective sun lotions.
3. Barbecue & Grilling Fire Prevention. Memorial Day weekend is the start of outdoor barbecue season. While some may dismiss such warnings, fire related injuries from barbecues are serious, whether they occur from a gas leak or too much lighter fluid or other fire hazards. The National Fire Protection Association has some great tips for safe barbecue grilling.
4. Mosquito & Bug Bite Protection. Besides being annoying, bug bites can be serious. In addition to bug repellent, use nets and fans over outdoor food and eating areas. Check yourself and your kids for ticks every night remove them. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a great guide to bug repellents that has been updated recently to address the zika virus.
5. Food Safety. The Virginia Department of Health has some great tips on food safety that include:
• Make sure foods don’t spend more than one hour sitting out when the temperature is above 90 degrees, or two hours when temperatures are below that. Bacteria grows faster in warm temperatures.
• Wash hands, cutting boards, utensils and countertops.
• Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods. • Use a food thermometer to ensure foods are cooked to a safe internal temperature: 145 degrees for whole meats (allowing the meat to rest for 3 minutes before carving or consuming), 160 degrees for ground meats, and 165 degrees for poultry.
• When transporting food, remember that harmful bacteria can grow when prepared food falls between temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees; perishable food transported without an ice or heat source won’t stay safe long.
6. Water Safety. When swimming or around bodies of water, take safety very seriously. Here are some basic tips:
• Don’t swim alone.
• Wear a life vest while boating.
• Supervise children at all times in and near the water. Remember: inflatable “floaties” on a child’s arms are not substitutes for a life vest.
7. Overeating. Slow down when eating. Take pauses between bites. Drink more water. Choose your food wisely. Avoid going back for seconds and limit portions on the size of your plate. Of course, with great food in front of you such advice can be hard to follow. Stay conscious of what you eat so that you enjoy your food instead of gorging your food.
Have a great Memorial Day weekend! Be sure to stop by Ellwood Thompson’s for all of your food and supply needs for Memorial Day festivities.
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