With Memorial Day just around the corner, it is important to stay safe while remembering those who gave their lives serving in the armed forces. To celebrate the lives of those courageous men and women, many Americans host picnics and other outdoor gatherings.

If your Post is hosting an event to honor the fallen, follow these tips to help guests stay safe:

Food Safety

Warmer weather may be a great reason for you to enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s not for the food you eat. According to the USDA, summer months see a spike the number of foodborne illnesses. Prevent your Post members and guests from getting ill with these tips:

  • Always thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables.
  • Separate uncooked meat with other food.
  • Use a food thermometer to ensure meat is fully cooked – Poultry should reach 165 degrees, hamburgers and sausage to 160 degrees and beef to at least 145 degrees.
  • Refrigerate all perishable food within 2 hours, or 1 hour if the temperature outside is above 90 degrees.
  • Place any mayonnaise-based dishes, such as deviled eggs or potato salad, on ice.

Fire Safety

Grilling is one of the best parts of picnics, but also the most dangerous. Before using a grill, thoroughly clean any grease or dust from the previous use. Check the tubes leading into the burner for any blockages from insects or food grease that can cause an uncontrolled fire. Always keep lit cigarettes, matches or open flames away from a grill. Never leave the grill unattended and have a fire extinguisher ready, just in case.

Weather Safety

Memorial Day usually means warm weather for a majority of the country. Be sure to use prevention tactics against sunburn and heat stroke. Have plenty of water and other fluids available, as well as sunscreen with at least 15 SPF. Set up chair and tables in the shade if possible.

If there is unfavorable weather, as is common in the early summer, have a severe weather plan in place.

Travel Safety

As your members and guests leave your Post’s Memorial Day gathering, encourage safe driving. If your Post serves alcohol, don’t allow anyone to drink and drive, and encourage the use of seat belts. 

 

At Lockton Affinity, we know an active Post is a vital part of its neighborhood, for both its members and the community. We want to help make your Post’s operations as safe as possible, so we offer the right insurance coverage your Post needs, from Property Insurance to Special Events Coverage to Liquor Liability and more.

Ensure your Post is protected in time for Memorial Day by calling 800.669.9944 today.

Coverage may not be available in all states and is subject to actual policy terms and conditions.  Coverage may be provided by an excess/surplus lines insurer which is not licensed by or subject to the supervision of the insurance department of your state of residence. Policy coverage forms and rates may not be subject to regulation by the insurance department of your state of residence. Excess/surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds and therefore insureds are not protected by such funds in the event of the insurer’s insolvency.