Tips on dealing with grief and staying safe this Memorial Day weekend
KEARNEY, Neb. — Heading into the Memorial Day weekend, millions of Americans are gearing up for outdoor activities, prompting the need for safety precautions.
Here are essential tips provided by Hayley Jelinek from the Two Rivers Public Health Department to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.
Sun Protection:
- Wear sunscreen with an SPF factor of 15 or higher (both UVA and UVB protection), whenever you’re outdoors during the day. Remember to reapply it often.
- Wear long sleeves and pants when you are not in the water to help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
- Wear a hat to help shield your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.
- Wear sunglasses to help protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts.
General Safety:
- Food Safety – Refrigerate all perishable food within 2 hours, or 1 hour if the temperature outside is above 90 degrees. To guard against cross-contamination of bacteria, keep uncooked meats away from other goods.
- Grill Safety – Thoroughly clean a grill of grease and dust. For gas or propane grills check your tubes leading to the burner for blockages from insects of good grease. It is recommended to replace all tubes and connections annually. When using a grill ensure you are in a well-ventilated area away from flammables such as tents or in a garage.
- Water Safety – Wear a lifejacket when you are on a boat and ensure that young children are supervised at all times when near lakes, pools, rivers, or out on the boat. Don’t swim alone or in bad weather.
- Travel Safety – Do not drink and drive or travel with anyone that has been drinking. Wear your seatbelt at all times. Make sure your vehicle has been properly serviced and is in good working condition before a long road trip. Know where the hospitals and gas stations are along your route. Avoid texting or using social media on your cell phone while driving.
Coping with Grief:
Memorial Day is a time to honor those who lost their lives in military service. Here are some ways to help loved ones in need.
- Let the person know you are there for them
- Know what is helpful
- Be interested and caring
- Be open
- Offer empathy
- Help challenge the person
For more detailed information on supporting individuals coping with grief, visit the website of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Additional resources on water safety can be found here. Resources on sunscreen tips can be found here.
Stay safe and make lasting memories with loved ones.
