Labor Day is usually considered summer’s last hurrah – and as a result multitudes of people hit the highways, enjoy time on the water and/or fire up the grill with the family in order to celebrate the season’s end – and, the American Red Cross offers safety tips to help everyone have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Tips for Safe Travel

1 – Carry an emergency supply kit in your trunk.

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

3 – Buckle up and observe speed limits.

4 – Don’t drink and drive.

Tips for Safe Swimming

1 – Check weather and water conditions beforehand and throughout the day.

2 – Always swim with a buddy in a designated swimming area supervised by a lifeguard.

3 – Provide constant supervision to children in or near the water and always stay within arm’s reach of young children and inexperienced swimmers while they are in the water.

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

Tips for Safe Grilling

1 – Keep the grill away from the house, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.

2 – Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

3 – Keep children and pets away from the grill.

4 – Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.

The American Red Cross First Aid App for smart phones and tablets provides the user with expert advice on what to do in case of an emergency. This free app is available on the Apple iTunes or Google Play stores and at redcross.org/mobileapps.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.