Don't Let Labor Day Weekend End in an Emergency Room

Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, and with it comes beach parties, lakeside gatherings, backyard barbecues, and one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. A little planning ahead keeps the celebration from turning into an emergency room visit, so here's what to keep in mind before the grill gets fired up or the car gets loaded.

Sun Protection

Hours of outdoor celebration mean hours of sun exposure, and a bad sunburn is one of the easiest ways to end a good weekend on a sour note. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply it every two hours, more often if swimming or sweating heavily.

Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and a wide-brimmed hat add an extra layer of protection for arms, shoulders, and the face, and seeking or creating shade helps too, especially during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If avoiding direct sun during that window isn't practical, staying well-hydrated and reapplying sunscreen consistently becomes even more important. Checking the local weather forecast ahead of time also helps with planning around the day's heat and UV levels.

Fire Prevention