Play It Safe This Memorial Day Weekend

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) would like all residents to have a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend. This holiday has traditionally kicked off the start of the summer and, with tourists and locals flocking to nearby South Florida pools and beaches, MDFR encourages everyone to play it safe by considering the following safety tips:

BOATING:

• The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim, especially anyone participating in boating activities.
• Alcohol and boating don't mix. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination, all of which are necessary for safe boating, especially for the vessel operator.
• Before leaving shore, ensure that the vessel is in good working condition and all safety equipment is on board and operational, including at least one Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every passenger on the boat, a first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher on board.
• Prior to any boat excursion, give a responsible person details about where you will be and how long you will be gone. In the event of an emergency, this information could be the key to finding you and bringing help to your location.
• Protect your cell phone inside a plastic bag and place it in a container that floats to have it available in case of emergency.
• Make sure you know how to operate your VHS radio and have it turned to Channel 16 in order to communicate in case of an emergency.
• If you are operating a boat, wear the engine cut-off switch to shut off the motor if you unexpectedly move away from the controls.
• Prevent injuries or propeller accidents by keeping an eye on your surroundings. Before starting your vessel’s engine, make sure there is no one near your vessel’s propeller. Never start a boat with the engine in gear and never board or disembark when the engine is on or idling.

DRIVING:

• Always wear your seatbelt and make sure that all passengers do so as well. All infants and small children should be restrained in approved child safety seats.
• Try to do most driving during daylight hours; motorists driving under the influence are usually on the road after 9:00 p.m.
• If your vehicle stalls on the freeway, do your best to pull over onto the shoulder, well out of traffic lanes. Call for help and do not attempt to repair it yourself on the freeway.
• Always designate a safe driver that will not be drinking alcohol.

SWIMMING:

• Never leave children unattended. Drowning incidents in residential swimming pools are significantly higher involving children between the ages of one and four.
• Protect yourself from heat-related illnesses by staying hydrated drinking plenty of water throughout the day and applying sunscreen.
• Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
• Read and obey all rules and posted signs.

OUTDOOR COOKING:

• Use the grill at least 10 feet away from the house or any other structures.
• Keep children away from the grill and never leave the grill unattended.
• Never use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire.
• Do not pour lighter fluid on hot charcoal. This is the leading cause of grill-related burns.
• Never light a grill on the balcony of an apartment; it is illegal and extremely dangerous for all building occupants.

If you experience an emergency, be sure to call 911 immediately.

For more information, please contact MDFR’s Media and Public Relations Bureau at (305) 814-8051.