Father’s Day weekend is quickly approaching! While you may be busy picking out a great gift and planning the best cookout, it’s also important to review safety tips for your celebration. A quick way to ruin Father’s Day fun is suffering from an unintentional injury!

By using these five tips, you can help ensure you, your dad, and your entire family enjoy the day safely.

Prepare for the Sun

The summer sun can cause more than just a nasty sunburn. Sun poisoning and heat stroke are very real threats during warmer months and can be prevented by ensuring there is adequate shade, water, and refuge from the heat.

Use and bring ample sunscreen when spending time outdoors, applying liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. A hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing will also help keep you and your loved ones cool in the summer heat!

Use Caution with the Grill

Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors, well away from your home, clear of deck railings, and overhanging branches, recommends the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Children and animals should be kept at least three feet away from the grill area to prevent burns; children under five accounted for an average of 2,000 or 38%, of the contact-type burns per year. Typically, these types of burns occur when someone, often a child, bumps into, touches or falls on the grill, grill part or hot coals.

Cook Food Thoroughly

Food safety is incredibly important for helping prevent food poisoning! Prior to handling food, ensure your hands are clean by washing with antibacterial soap. If you are in a remote location, hand sanitizer or sanitary wipes are a reasonable alternative.

When it comes to cooking meat, rely on a meat thermometer to confirm the meat is ready to serve. Pork and beef should be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, remember to clean the thermometer after use!

Drink Responsibly

Alcohol may be a part of your Father’s Day festivities. If this is the case, exercise smart drinking decisions. Ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, or public transportation are great alternatives if you choose to enjoy more than one drink. Fellow friends and family members can also be a great resource if they feel comfortable being a designated driver.

If a friend or family member decides to try and drive after drinking alcohol or ingesting drugs, take action. Take their keys, offer to pay for their ride, or let them stay with you. Drinking and driving is never acceptable and can result in a life-altering car accident.

Educate on Etiquette

Some dads want to celebrate the day by fishing, golfing, or simply laying by the pool. Before doing so, be sure everyone in your party is educated on proper conduct and is aware of potential dangers.

Golfing

If your family chooses to spend the day at the golf course, be sure your family knows to be aware of others’ swings and to protect themselves when they hear “fore”.

Celebrating at the Pool

Adults and children, no matter how excited, should never run near a pool! Before jumping in the water, children should have proper floatation devices and should be supervised at all times.

Fishing

Fishing is equal parts relaxing and fun, especially when safety is prioritized. Always look behind you before casting, never leave your tackle on the ground, and ensure small children wear Coast Guard-approved floatation devices.

Father’s Day Fun

Father’s Day is a great time to be outside, enjoy time with family, and soak up the sun! This Father’s Day, you can help make it the best one yet by ensuring safety is of the utmost priority. By following these five tips, you and your dad will be able to make the most of the day!