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Red Cross offers tips for a safe Labor Day weekend

The American Red Cross on Friday issued safety tips for popular Labor Day weekend activities such as driving, swimming and grilling.

The organization offers two free smartphone applications, First Aid and Swim. Go to www.redcross.org/apps for more information about the apps.

“We encourage everyone to take a few simple safety steps when spending time on the road, camping, boating and at cookouts,” Colleen Johnson, executive director of Southwest Colorado American Red Cross, said in news release.

The Red Cross said drivers should follow these safety tips:

Take emergency supplies such as food and water, a flashlight and a first-aid kit.

Let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to arrive.

Buckle up and obey traffic signs.

Avoid texting and talking on the phone while driving.

Don’t drink and drive.

The Red Cross also issued tips for safe swimming:

Check weather and swimming conditions throughout the day.

Always swim in an area supervised by a lifeguard and obey all warnings.

Provide constant attention to children in or near the water.

Stay within arm’s reach of young children and inexperienced swimmers while they are in the water.

Young children, inexperienced swimmers and boaters should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

For safe grilling, the Red Cross recommends:

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Keep children and pets away from the grill.

Never add charcoal starter fluid after coals have been ignited.

Use long-handled utensils.

Don’t leave the grill unattended while in use.

cslothower@durangoherald.com



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