YORK COUNTY — Labor Day Weekend has arrived, marking the unofficial end of summer. The Red Cross of Maine offers tips for people to stay safe while enjoying the last blast of summer with friends and family.

Many people are traveling over the three-day weekend, and the highways will be crowded with traffic.

The Red Cross advises motorists to use caution in work zones, observe speed limits and be respectful of other motorists. Motorists should be well rested and alert and give their full attention to the road.

If traveling long distances, take frequent breaks. Pay attention to the forecast for your destination. Find out what disasters may occur where you are traveling and how to get information in the event of a disaster. Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

The Red Cross recommends cleaning car lights and windows to help you see, especially at night. Carry a disaster supplies kit in the trunk and don’t let the car’s gas tank get too low. In the event of car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.

Many Labor Day weekend plans include a family barbecue. The Red Cross advises to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills and always attend to the grill when in use.

Never grill indoors or in an inclosed area and keep the grill open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe and never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.

If weekend plans include a trip to the beach, remember that dangerous rip currents are responsible for deaths on our nation’s beaches every year and for most of the rescues performed by lifeguards.

Be aware of the dangers of rip currents and ask lifeguards for water conditions.

If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until out of the current. Once free, turn and swim toward shore. If you can’t swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.

Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist near these structures.