Department of Health shares tips on how to stay safe this Memorial Day weekend

Anthony Vega,
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Bethany Adleta, center, of Frisco, Texas, makes her way to the ticketing gate as she prepares to travel out of Love Field airport, Friday, May 19, 2023, in Dallas. Fees, higher fares and fewer discounts for military veterans are causing Adleta to debate flying versus driving if she makes any more trips this summer.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Memorial Day weekend is here and the Rhode Island Department of Health is reminding people about the importance of staying safe.

TRAVEL

With millions of Americans preparing to hit the road, the Department of Health says people should travel responsibly.

“Never drink and drive,” says the DOH.

Health officials recommend that anyone who’s been drinking or using drugs to use a rideshare service or ride home with someone who’s sober.

AAA estimates 1.7 million New Englanders will be traveling this holiday.

FOOD

As for food, the department said proper handling, preparation, cooking, and storing is key to keeping food safe. It helps with preventing food-borne sickness.

“However, these precautions are particularly important as the weather gets warmer, and people start grilling outside,” health officials say.

For information on how to grill safely, visit the CDC’s website.

BEACH

Anyone who plans on going to the beach this weekend should wear sunscreen, says the DOH.

Health officials say they will be checking the beach water quality for bacteria from May 30 to Labor Day.

After May 30, beachgoers can check the latest beach closures or advisories before heading to the beach.

TICK BITES

If you’ve been outdoors, the DOH says there are three steps you should take to prevent tick bikes: repel, check, remove.

The DOH says tick bites can lead to Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.

For information on how to prevent tick bites, visit health.ri.gov.

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