Labor Day Safety

As we head into the Labor Day Holiday Weekend, I encourage everyone to be safe during their travels and celebrations.

Every year we lose lives on our roadways and waterways by someone drinking in excess and driving-- please don't consume alcohol and then get in the drivers seat of a boat or a car. It is your responsibility to not only be reliable; but also set a good example be making the right decisions. 

In the past- I have stressed the importance of all citizens taking the time and effort toward making our roadways and waterways safer. We are out in force to make sure you are making good choices. If you don't you will pay the price.  

 

Here are just a few simple tips that can make the difference between life and death:

BOATING

• Personal flotation devices – they must fit correctly, be used for the intended purposes and everyone must have one 
• When it comes to children, personal flotation devices should always be worn near any body of water  
• Boating safety checklist should always be followed when operating a water craft which includes navigational lights, first aid kit, fire extinguishers and audible devices 
• No operation of water craft while under the influence of alcohol – if you are going to consume alcohol while boating please use a designated Skipper and you must be over the age of 21 

ROADWAYS

• If planning a "road trip" over the holidays, have your vehicle serviced and checked out sufficiently far ahead to allow for repairs if needed.  
• Don’t forget to have the mechanic check your spare tire and all fluid levels along with the other preventive maintenance procedures.  
• Consider keeping spare fuses and a "breakdown kit" in your vehicle at all times.  
• Breakdown kits may be purchased from a variety of sources, or you can assemble your own at any auto parts or hardware store using a commercial version as a guideline.  
• Obtain a map or download the latest available GPS data.  
• Inform a family member where you will be and when to expect you back; give them your route if they don't know it.  
• Select well-traveled and lighted thoroughfares. Bear in mind that routes which are congested during rush hour may be very lightly traveled at other hours.  
• Use freeways and arterial streets and avoid less-traveled roads as much as possible, especially when driving at night or in unfamiliar locations.  
• When driving, keep doors locked and windows rolled up at all times.  
• Maintain at least half a tank of fuel, and keep vehicle in good repair. 
• Check to see what conditions they report before leaving. Visit the Federal Highway Administration's related webpage...  

Here are some other ways you can thoroughly be prepared: 

Put together a “breakdown kit”:

-a thermal blanket/bag and a gallon of water

-a “HELP” sign/flag and flares/reflectors

-a flashlight (check batteries semi-annually)

-duct tape

 

Also consider carrying:

-a set of jumper cables, a tire gauge, and work gloves

-a few hand tools (pliers, screwdrivers, Allen wrenches)

-some rope and at least one bungee cord

-towels and a roll of toilet paper (in a plastic bag)

-a small 12-volt tire inflator

-an empty (new, never used) one-gallon gas can

 

Please be safe this Labor Day weekend. Enjoy your time off with friends and family.