Labor Day is known as one of the last weekends during the summer. If you are looking for things that you can do with your family this Labor Day, below are some tips that you can use.
Go Camping in the Backyard
Camping in the traditional sense is often an adventure, particularly if your children are very young. Therefore, if your home has a back yard, one of the best ways that you can compromise is by putting your tent in your yard and enjoying the experience in your own yard. The advantage of this is that the snacks, extra clothes, bathroom and everything else is right there. If you live in an apartment and there’s no back yard, it will be fun to let the children make a fort using sheets and cushions. This is going to give them the fun of camping even though they’re inside, and kids love forts.
Go to Local Landmarks
Depending on where you live, you might have some really fun and interesting landmarks near you. Check out some museums, some outside landmarks and other things. Look around and see what is in your area, or even close by.
Cook Out
One of the best things that you can do to celebrate Labor Day is to cook out. Below are some tips that you can use to make tasty food on the grill.
- Experiment with fruit trees – One of the best ways that you can change the flavor is to add some wood chips from fruit trees to the charcoal. These woods have a mild flavor and they have lots of sap. Some options are peach, apple, grape, cherry and grape.
- Soak your wood chips – You should soak the chips for a minimum of 60 minutes, or for better results, overnight. Then drain the chips. You can then wrap the chips in aluminum foil before adding them to the grill. This will produce additional smoke and increase flavor.
- Soak wooden skewers – Does your family love kebabs? If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them before you use them. This is going to help stop them from burning. If your skewers are metal, wipe them with a paper towel you’ve dipped into your vegetable oil. This will help keep your food from sticking.
Find Some Local Celebrations
All around the country, there are cities that are having special events for Labor Day where people are able to celebrate with their community. Fairs, fireworks and parades often are included with these celebrations. Spend time outside for one of summer’s last weekends.
Now that you have some suggestions on what you can do with your family, below are some ways that you can keep safe.
Be Safe While Driving
One of the best ways that you can have a good and fun Labor Day is to make sure that you are safe on the road. Below are some of the tips that you can use to stay safe.
- Be Careful – You want to be alert and well-rested, make sure you’re wearing seat belts, following the speed limit and the road’s rules. Clean off your headlights and put them on when dusk’s approaching or during inclement weather.
- Avoid Drinking & Driving – If drinking is part of your Labor Day celebration, you want to make sure that designated drivers are chosen.
- Avoid Distractions – You shouldn’t use your cell phone while you are driving so that your full attention is on your driving and the road.
- Be Careful When in Roadwork Zones – When you are going through one of these zones, make sure that you are cautious.
- Leave Space – When you have someone in front of your car, you want to make sure that you are giving them plenty of space.
Safety in the Heat
Even though it’s September, it can still be quite hot. So here are some tips that you want to be careful during the heat.
- Remain Hydrated – You want to drink a lot of fluids. Water is best, but avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.
- Dress Right – Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. Don’t wear dark colors since they will absorb the heat from the sun.
- Stay Inside – If it’s too hot, it’s best to stay inside. The last thing you want is to get heat exhaustion or stroke.
Staying Safe at the Beach
If your family plans to head to the beach over Labor Day, you want to be especially careful.
- Be careful – When you’re swimming in a river, lake or ocean, keep in mind that it’s lot different than when you’re swimming in your swimming pool. Make certain that you are strong enough for swimming in the wild.
- Be somewhere with a lifeguard – When you are swimming at the beach, look for the lifeguard and swim in the areas that are designated. Obey all orders and instructions from the lifeguards and ask about the local conditions.
- Be smart – Don’t swim if you are drunk and don’t swim alone. Know the limitations of your body and ensure that you aren’t too tired to get back to the shore.
- Take Care – Don’t dive in headfirst. Carefully walk into open water look for and steer clear of aquatic life. Aquatic animals and plants can be dangerous.
- Don’t panic – If you find yourself caught in rip currents, don’t panic. Wave at people on the shore that you’re in trouble. Swimming parallel to shore will help you get free. Once you’re free, then you can swim for the shore. If you’re unable to do this, tread water or float until you’re out of it and then go toward the shore.
Staying Safe While Outdoors
It’s important that you are prepared when you’re in a remote area without regular access to emergency help, hospitals and phone service. Below are some of the tips that you can use to help keep everyone safe.
- Take First Aid – One of the best things that you can do to keep people safe is to take a CPR/First Aid course. This will help you know what needs to be done if help’s delayed. You are going to learn the ways to treat broken bones, stings, bites, and a lot more.
- Know everyone’s abilities - You want to know what everyone can and can’t do. You also want to know the environment that you will be visiting and plan accordingly. Falls and sprains are things that travelers face when caution isn’t taken.
- Bring water with you – The last thing you want is to have someone become dehydrated while they are camping or hiking.
- Let people know your plans – Let someone know where you are going and what your plans are. This way if something happens or you don’t come back on time they know where to find you.
- Bring First Aid Supplies – Make sure that it includes sunscreen, personal medicine, insect repellent, bandages and more.
We hope that you have found this helpful and that you have a great Labor Day with your family. We have a lot of items that you might find useful in our store, so please look around and ask us any questions that you have.
