Keeping Safe Memorial Day Weekend

Keeping Safe Memorial Day Weekend

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) - Warm weather is here! With it comes outdoor gatherings, swimming, camping, and changing weather conditions. The Broome County Health Department (BCHD) is reminding community members to take steps to protect their health this summer. Spending time with friends and family is great for mental health and social well-being. Social gatherings can help improve mental health by triggering the release of bonding hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, which may help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

If you are hosting a cookout, practice safe food handling. Start by washing your hands with soap and water, using clean surfaces and utensils, and keeping preparation areas sanitary. If meat is marinating, always do so in the refrigerator and never reuse marinade. Prepare raw and cooked foods on separate surfaces and clean thoroughly between uses. Once food is cooked, store it properly and be mindful of how long it sits out. Perishable food can spoil after just two hours at room temperature. Keep food shaded when outdoors and cover trash containers to help keep flies away.

When grilling outdoors, help prevent food poisoning by ensuring foods are cooked to the proper internal temperature. Undercooked meats such as hamburgers and chicken may contain harmful germs like E. coli and salmonella. Use a food thermometer to ensure food has reached a safe temperature before serving.

Keep food covered outdoors to protect it from pests like flies. Never spray insect repellents or chemicals near food, as they may contaminate it. Use proper food covers and limit the amount of time food remains outside.

If your gathering includes hiking or visiting a park, protect yourself from ticks and mosquitoes. Ticks can carry organisms that cause illnesses such as Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and Powassan virus disease. Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves and light-colored clothing, using EPA-approved insect repellent, staying on cleared trails, checking for ticks, and showering soon after coming indoors.

If you find a tick on your body, remember that not all ticks carry disease. Use tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull it straight out carefully, making sure no parts remain behind. Clean the area thoroughly and wash your hands after disposing of the tick. Symptoms following a tick bite may include chills, fatigue, headache, or a bullseye-shaped rash. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms after a tick bite.

Be mindful of wildlife while outdoors. Stay away from animals such as foxes, deer, and other wild animals, which can carry diseases like rabies. BCHD Medical Director Dr. Gehring reminds residents, "If you can catch a wild animal, something is not right." Animals acting unusually may be sick. Keep your distance and contact the proper authorities if needed.

Hot summer days may make you want to cool off in a pool or lake. Be sure to avoid blue-green algae in lakes, which can make water unsafe for both people and pets. If the water looks like pea soup, has a paint-like film, or smells unpleasant, stay out of the water.

Always follow the buddy system and never swim alone. Stay alert around all bodies of water and supervise swimmers closely. Drowning is a serious medical emergency that can happen quickly and often silently. Even in shallow water, constant supervision is important.

Help prevent heat-related illness by taking care of your body during outdoor activities. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Limiting alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks can also help prevent dehydration. Plan gatherings for the early morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. If activities take place during the hottest part of the day, take breaks indoors or in shaded, cool areas whenever possible. Protect yourself from the sun by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade. Remember to reapply sunscreen as directed.

These tips can help you enjoy your summer gatherings safely and leave with good memories, full bellies, and a healthy body. The Broome County Health Department thanks all those who served in the United States Armed Forces and wishes everyone a safe and healthy summer season.

BCHD Press Release Memorial Day Safety.docx