The Labor Day holiday is fast approaching, signaling the unofficial end of summer and time for that last hurrah of summer fun. The American Red Cross has steps everyone can take to help stay safe over the long holiday weekend.

Travel safety

Many families will hit the road over the three-day holiday weekend. The Red Cross offers these travel tips to help keep you safe on the highway:

• Find out what disasters may occur where you are traveling and how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems).
• Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination.
• Buckle up, slow down, and don’t drink and drive. Designate a driver who won’t drink.
• Be well rested and alert; give your full attention to the road.
• Use caution in work zones.
• Observe speed limits.
• Take frequent breaks. 
• Be respectful of other motorists.
• Clean your vehicle’s lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
• Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather, and don’t overdrive your headlights.
• Carry a disaster supplies kit in your trunk.
• Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low.
• If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

Rip currents

If a trip to the beach is part of your weekend plans, remember that dangerous rip currents are responsible for deaths on our nation’s beaches every year and for most of the rescues performed by lifeguards. For your safety, be aware of the dangers of rip currents and remember the following:

• If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you can't swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.
• Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.

Grilling safety

Perhaps your plans include a cookout at home. The Red Cross offers these steps you should follow to use that backyard grill safely:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors – not in your house, camper tent, or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire. 
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.

The Red Cross wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend. For more information, visit redcross.org/prepare.