Celebrate Memorial Day Safely
Simpan kode iklan disini.
Memorial Day is the official start of summer for most people, even though summer technically doesn?t begin on the calendar until June. School?s out, the temperature?s rising and people like to gather with friends and family to celebrate together.
These top five tips will keep everyone safe.
Food Safety
Plan ahead to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold to prevent bacteria growth and related illness. For example, foods with mayonnaise ? like momma?s coleslaw or grandmother?s potato salad ? need to remain cold and out of the sun. A good rule of thumb is to store cold foods back in the cooler or fridge once everyone has served themselves. They can always go back for seconds.
Cook ground meat like hamburgers until an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Steaks to a minimum of 145 degrees and chicken to a minimum of 165 degrees can be reached between the thigh and the body cavity of the bird. With chicken breasts, cook until juices run clear.
Don't use the same utensils or plates for uncooked meats and poultry as you do for cooked meats and poultry. If you don't have access to clean water, soap and clean towels, plan ahead to bring extra utensils and serving ware on your cookout so that you don't cross-contaminate. Don't forget to wash your hands before and after handling uncooked meats and poultry, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
Sun Safety
Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin throughout the weekend, even if you are in the shade or it's a cloudy day. The key to not getting sunburned is applying it liberally (at least one ounce) and often. Be sure and include the back of your neck, your ears, tops of your feet and even your lips with a lip balm containing SPF 15 at a minimum. Sunscreen does expire, so check the dates on last year?s bottles or sprays before you rely on them.
No matter what the package says, no sunscreen product is 100 percent waterproof or sweatproof. After swimming or toweling off, be safe and reapply. You can also add extra sun protection by wearing a hat, swim shirt or even loose shirt when not swimming or in the water.
Water Safety
Speaking of the water, always be alert when swimming or engaging in water sports. Never swim alone, have little ones wear approved life jackets (and arm ?swimmies? don?t count here) and follow all rules for boating, skiing, tubing or kayaking. These guidelines are in place to keep you safe, not to take the fun out of your weekend.
Alcohol Safety
If you plan to drink alcoholic beverages as you celebrate, don?t drive your car, boat or any other motorized device. Have a non-drinking member of your party monitor your intake to ensure your safety. Remember that alcohol and sun exposure can be a dangerous combination for sunburns and dehydration. Intersperse water consumption in-between those cold brews to keep your body properly hydrated.
Outdoor Safety
If you are camping or hitting the trails, spray your clothes and gear with an insect-repellant containing permethrin or other bug-hating spray. You can apply a DEET-containing product to the skin of everyone in your camping party if they are old enough to not rub the product in their eyes, nose or mouth. Check everyone for ticks after hikes and before bed nightly, especially underarms, backs of knees and in the thigh joint between the leg and the pelvis. Beware of poison ivy and other skin irritants and walk on the path or trail, if available.
By making a safety priority over the long weekend, you?ll be able to enjoy and make great memories!
Simpan kode iklan disini.
Bagikan ke Facebook