Established to honor those who lost their lives in service to the country, Memorial Day is a great time to honor living #veterans, too. Good Housekeeping suggests spending some of your long weekend shopping at a veteran-owned business or streaming one of the Storycorps oral histories presented by active-duty military members and veterans. You can also #donate to the #Vietnam Veterans of America and ClothingDonations.org, Building Homes for Heroes, and other nonprofits that help U.S. military veterans access food, housing, health care and other necessities every day of the year. #MemorialDay
Tag: Memorial Day
Keep Pets Safe on Memorial Day Weekend
Traveling with pets this Memorial Day? Keep them safe by keeping them on a leash, securing doors and gates, and making sure they are wearing proper identification and are microchipped, says the Imperial Valley Press. Provide them with plenty of fresh water and shade to fend off dehydration, and apply a pet-friendly flea and tick repellant to their fur when outdoors. Go easy on the table scraps, and set aside a quiet zone where your pet can get away from all of the human hubbub when they need some space and rest. #MemorialDayTips
Never Dispense Gasoline in an Unapproved Container
With the recent cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline and increasing numbers of cars on the road, gas prices are likely to be higher this Memorial Day weekend. But stations on the East Coast that experienced temporary shortages should now have supplies sufficient for travelers, so don’t start filling plastic bags and laundry hampers with gasoline. Gas can quickly eat through unapproved containers and spill into the surrounding area, The Drive says; then one spark is all it takes to create an explosion and fire. #MemorialDayTips
Check Your Destination’s Guidelines Before Traveling
More than 37 million people are expected to travel over the Memorial Day weekend, AAA says, and those who do should continue to exercise caution against the spread of COVID-19. Travel restrictions are still in effect nationwide, so even fully vaccinated travelers should check their destinations to avoid disruptions, closures and cancellations. Always keep a face mask handy for entering stores or public spaces; many retailers and municipalities are setting their own rules to enhance safety for all patrons. #MemorialDayTips
Travel Without Causing a Summer Surge
New #COVID-19 infections in the U.S. are at their lowest in almost a year, according to Johns Hopkins, and 61% of adults have had at least one vaccination shot. But Memorial Day weekend is not that time to let your guard down while enjoying a beach, parade or cookout with family and friends. Continue to mask up when social distancing isn’t feasible (especially in enclosed spaces with strangers) and wash or sanitize your hands frequently. There’s no reason to contribute to a summer surge.