Published: May 22, 2008 04:51 pm         

AROUND THE TOWN: Have fun but play safe this Memorial Day

It is Memorial Day weekend and also what we know as the unofficial start to summer. Memorial Day celebrations mean the end of school, vacations, cookouts, swimming, fishing and traveling. As thousands of Tennesseans shed their winter coats and head for their vacation destinations, rivers and lakes, or even their own back yards, there are some safety tips you'll need to remember. The Tennessee Highway Patrol reminds us that more traffic always means more likelihood for accidents. So please exercise caution while traveling, regardless of your mode of transportation.

The Memorial Day holiday is about 78 hours long and is typically one of the busiest for travelers. Last year, 75 percent of those killed on Tennessee roads were not wearing safety belts.

If you want to enjoy your long weekend, here are a few safety tips from the THP: remember to wear your safety belts, make sure children are restrained, watch for construction areas, don't speed and certainly never mix alcohol with driving. Law enforcement reminds us to watch for other motorists and keep an eye on the weather.

If you are out on one of the many lakes or rivers in the Volunteer State, make sure you have the correct number of flotation devices, a weather radio, and watch out for other boaters. As is true with driving, never mix alcohol with boating.

The American Red Cross says if you are planning on swimming, being on the beach or operating a personal water craft, there are some things you need to remember as well:

•Read and obey all posted signs

•Swim only where lifeguards are supervising

•Make sure small children have on a flotation device

•Don't get too cold, too tired, or too much sun

•Dive only where signs say it is allowed

•Don't mix alcohol and swimming

If you are planning on lying on the beach, remember these following safety tips:

•Wear sunscreen

•Stay hydrated...drink plenty of water

•Wear foot protection

If you are planning on swimming in a home or hotel pool, never leave a child unobserved. Keep a cell phone nearby in case of an emergency and know CPR! If you are using a personal water craft, always watch out for other boaters, swimmers and skiers. Ride with a buddy and know your local laws and regulations.

And finally, if you are cooking out, the Food and Drug Administration has some food safety tips that will help ensure a safe outdoor meal.

•Keep cold food cold

•Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables

•Wash hands

•Keep all utensils and platters clean when preparing food

•Marinate foods in the refrigerator, not on the counter

•Keep hot food hot

•Don't leave perishable foods out in the hot summer sun

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Now that I've reminded you of all these safety tips, I hope you have a wonderful long holiday weekend. While you are enjoying your holiday, don't forget to pause a moment and remember all those who gave their lives so that we could celebrate this weekend!

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The class of 2008 at Stone Memorial High School graduated Thursday night. The class of 2008 at CCHS will graduate tonight. All other students will be dismissed for the summer at 10 a.m. Friday. Students will have about nine weeks off before returning to school in August to begin the 2008-'09 school year. Speaking of school, congratulations to my friend, Barbara Bridges. She was named Cumberland County's 2007-'08 Teacher of the Year by 102.5 Wow Country. She is a fourth-grade teacher at South Cumberland.

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Cumberland County's Habitat for Humanity will benefit from a golf tournament set for June 7 at the Brae at Heatherhurst Golf Course in Fairfield Glade. The charity event has a 9 a.m. shotgun start. If you'd like to sponsor a team, call Habitat at 484-4565 or the Fairfield Glade Vista at 484-6342. This is the second annual Vista Reader's Choice Golf Tournament.