Safety Tips for Memorial Day

Memorial Day is upon us and millions of Americans are getting ready to fire up grills and get the parties started. Yet before embarking on a long and enjoyable afternoon on Monday, remember that safety comes first.

For the unofficial kick-off of the summer season, try and stay away of harm’s way (experts explain that the season is connected to a higher injury rate).

Firing-up your grill is fine and dandy if and when you have taken the necessary precautionary measures beforehand. And it’s not burns that make the bulk of the season’s injuries, it’s food poisoning.

According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) statistics, close to 50 million Americans suffer food poisoning yearly. Presenting with nausea, fever, vomiting and diarrhea, food poisoning also experiences abrupt increases in prevalence around Memorial Day.

Cooking your meat correctly is perhaps the most important step ensuring your wellbeing (and that of your family). But color isn’t always indicative of how cooked or uncooked your food may be.

According to US Department of Agriculture experts, meat thermometers are the best way to ensure that your hamburger is cooked properly.

The “danger zone” when it comes to bacteria and pathogen growth lies around 40 to 140 degrees. As such, if food should be served hot, make sure that it doesn’t cool down. Similarly, cold foods should be kept in the refrigerator until the very moment of consumption.

Ideally, you want to prepare fresh food, but if you prefer to use leftovers or make sandwiches in the days following Memorial Day, store your food properly in sealed containers and at low temperatures.

“Meat that’s still pink may be well-done while meat that’s brown may need more heat,” experts say,

Outdoor activities are also a favorite this time of year. Be it hiking, baseball or a casual picnic, make sure to not put yourself in harm’s way. Wear insect repellant if you plan on hiking and check for ticks or tick bites- better safe than sorry.

Memorial Day is one of the best occasions to visit friends and family, the AAA reveals, as approximately 33 million US residents are expected to travel. But as you surely know, more traffic participants may mean more traffic accidents. And summer is trauma season.

Drive prudently and don’t become frustrated with long waiting times or traffic jams- they’re all part of the weekend.

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