Memorial Day Safety Tips

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Spring is here and the official gateway to summer, Memorial Day Weekend, is quickly approaching!   Barbeques, swimming, hiking, and fun in the sun are just a few of the things that are on the menu.  “Memorial Day is a time for celebration, but we must remember to prioritize safety to ensure everyone has a great time. Simple precautions can make a big difference in preventing accidents and keeping our loved ones safe.” RR Environmental Health Consultant Peter DeLucia says, “Whether you’re grilling, swimming, or just enjoying the outdoors, always be mindful of safety guidelines to protect yourself and others.”

Here are a few safety tips from our RR Environmental Health Consultants:

Food Safety BBQ Tips – Mario Polvere, RR Founder

  • Keep Raw and Cooked Foods Separate: Avoid cross-contamination, boil marinades before reusing them on cooked food and use different plates, cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and cooked/ready to serve foods.
  • Wash Hands and Surfaces: Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water before handling food and clean all surfaces and utensils regularly. If a sink is not available bring moist towelettes (like Wet Ones brand wipes) and alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cook Meat to Safe Temperatures: Use a food thermometer to ensure meat is cooked to the appropriate internal temperature. For example, poultry should be cooked to 165°F (74°C), and ground beef to 160°F (71°C).
  • Keep Cold Foods Cold: Store perishable foods in a cooler with ice or ice packs to keep them at a safe temperature. “If using ice in a cooler, it is advisable to keep the drain plug open to allow the raw food contaminated water to be removed so your food is not swimming around in this bacterial soup!”, says Mario Polvere.
  • Marinate in the Refrigerator: Always marinate meat in the refrigerator, not on the counter, to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Avoid Leaving Food Out: Do not leave food out in the sun or at room temperature for more than two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F/32°C).
  • Use Clean Plates and Utensils: Always use clean plates and utensils when serving cooked food to avoid contamination from raw food residues.
  • Properly dispose of your trash to avoid attracting animals and insects:  There is no reason to help attract unwanted guests to your gathering or to the next persons by improperly disposing your trash.

Swimming Safety Tips – Peter DeLucia, MPA, RR Consultant & Public Health Expert

  • Never Swim Alone:  Swim only where and when lifeguards are on duty.
  • Supervise Children: Always keep an eye on children when they are in or near the water. Never leave them unattended. “Remember, a lifeguard is not your babysitter”, says Peter DeLucia.
  • Learn to Swim: Ensure that everyone in your group knows how to swim. Consider taking swimming lessons if needed.
  • Use Life Jackets: Wear Coat Guard Approved life jackets, especially for young children and inexperienced swimmers. Always make sure the life jacket is the right size for the individual wearing it. “Never use lifejackets as a substitute for proper supervision”, says Peter DeLucia
  • Avoid Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol while swimming or supervising swimmers, as it can impair your judgment and reaction time.
  • Swim in Designated Areas: Swim in areas that are designated for swimming and have lifeguards on duty.
  • Follow The Rules: Adhere to the rules and guidelines of the pool or swimming area.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you are swimming in the sun.
  • Be Aware of Weather Conditions: Check the weather forecast before swimming and avoid swimming during thunderstorms or rough water conditions.

Hiking Safety Tips to Avoid Ticks – Peter DeLucia, MPA, RR Consultant & Public Health Expert

  • Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and tuck your pants into your light-colored socks to minimize exposed skin. “You may get a ticket from the fashion police, but it will help keep ticks off your skin and where you can easily see them if they hitch a ride on you!”, recommends Peter DeLucia.
  • Use Tick Repellent: Apply insect repellent that contains at least 30 percent DEET to your clothing and exposed skin. Make sure to follow the directions on the label! Not all products can be applied directly to the skin. Make sure to wash off all repellents before bedtime.
  • Apply Sunscreen First: If using sunscreen, apply before you apply insect repellent. Sunscreens should be reapplied every 2 hours, insect repellents should not.  Remember, always follow the label on the product you are using.
  • Stay on Trails: Avoid walking through tall grass, bushes, and wooded areas where ticks are commonly found.
  • Check for Ticks Regularly: Perform regular tick checks on yourself, your children, and pets during and after your hike.
  • Shower After Hiking: Take a shower as soon as possible after hiking to wash off any ticks that may be on your skin.
  • Wash Clothing: Do not put your hiking clothes on your bed or in your hamper.  Wash your hiking clothes immediately in hot water and dry them on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may be on them.
  • Keep Your Yard Tidy: Keep your yard free of tall grass and leaf litter to reduce tick habitats. Mow your lawn regularly and consider placing a 3-ft wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to restrict tick migration into your recreational areas.

Sun Safety Tips – Rick Morrissey, MPA – RR Founder

  • Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating. Sunscreen is not recommended for infants under 6 months – prioritize staying in the shade and out of the sun. Dress babies in sun-protective clothing. It’s highly recommended to consult with a pediatrician before applying sunscreen to infants under 6 months.
  • Apply sunscreen before you go out in the sun: You should go out into the sun already protected. Also, if you have small children, apply the sunscreen before you put on their clothes or bathing suits. “You can make sure you don’t miss any spots, like their ears and back of their necks”, suggests Rick Morrissey.
  • Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from UV rays.
  • Seek Shade: Stay in the shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), to reduce your exposure to harmful UV rays.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid heat-related illnesses.
  • Check UV Index: Monitor the UV index in your area to understand the risk level and take appropriate precautions.

The consultants at Rapid Response Environmental Health offer assistance to various businesses, including restaurants, grocery stores, country clubs, children’s camps, bathing facilities, engineering firms, etc. to ensure regulatory compliance and a safe environment for staff and customers. They are available to address any environmental or public health questions and provide the right answers.

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