Memorial Day is a time to come together as a community and celebrate those who have fought for our country. Parades are a big part of the Memorial Day celebration, and many families go to them to show their support. But it’s important to remember that safety is key when attending any large event. Here are some tips to help keep your family safe at the Memorial Day parade.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can cause dizziness and nausea. In extreme cases, it can lead to death. Make sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you’re watching the Memorial Day parade with your family, pack enough water for everyone. Bring water bottles or hydration packs with you so you can take a sip every now and then. Remind your children to drink water often since they could easily forget to do so with all the fun and interesting stuff going around. If someone in your family starts to feel dizzy or lightheaded, find a shaded spot where you can sit down and drink some water.
Pack Some Snacks
You might get hungry if you spend all day outside. Aside from eating a hearty meal to start your day, you should take some snacks with you to munch on while watching the Memorial Day parade. Bring some energy bars, trail mix, fruit, or other snacks that will help keep your energy up.
Bring Cash
Bring some money, too. There’ll be plenty of stores and vendors peddling food and drinks. In case your supply runs out, you’ll need the cash to buy more from them. Of course, it’s also a good idea to support local businesses during the Memorial Day parade so get some souvenirs, too.
Leave Valuables At Home
Memorial Day parades attract pickpockets. Leave your valuables, like your wallet and jewelry, at home. If you must bring them with you, keep them close to your body where they’re less likely to be stolen. For example, you can keep your wallet in your front pocket or in a pouch around your neck.
Pack an Emergency Kit
You never know when an emergency will happen. Pack a small bag with some essential items just in case something happens. Bring an LED flashlight, emergency whistle, signal mirror, garbage bag, hand sanitizer, dust mask, tissue, and toilet paper. Keep a small pocket knife and a multi-tool in your pack, too. They’re useful in any emergency and for self-defense, as well.
Speaking of self-defense, don’t forget to bring your pepper spray and personal alarm. Get everyone in the family one of each and teach them how to use them. For the younger ones, a personal alarm or emergency whistle should suffice.
Include a small first aid kit with things like Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and antihistamines. If someone has a medical condition, make sure you bring the medicines and other medical items they need. Of course, if that someone is too sick or can pass their illness to others, it’s best not to go to the parade and stay home instead.
Bring Your Charger and Powerbank
It’s also a good idea to bring your phone and charger with you so you can call for help if needed. Make sure to charge your phone before you leave the house. Bring a fully charged powerbank, too.
Wear Summer Clothes and Accessories
Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer. That means it can get really hot outside. Make sure to dress appropriately. Wear loose, breathable clothing and avoid dark colors that will absorb heat. Don’t forget to wear something that shows your national pride, like a Memorial Day t-shirt.
Wear a hat to protect your head from the sun’s harmful UV rays. A wide-brimmed hat offers more shade against the sun. Also, protect your eyes by wearing a pair of sunglasses.
Wear Sunscreen
As the great Baz Luhrmann once said, “wear sunscreen.” Don’t forget to put on sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin before heading out and reapply it every two hours. Memorial Day parades can last several hours, so you want to make sure you don’t get sunburned.
Cool off with A Fan or Misting Bottle
Bring a portable fan or misting bottle to help keep you cool. You can use it to mist your face and body when you start to feel too hot.
Stay in the Shade When Possible
When you’re not watching the Memorial Day parade, find a spot in the shade to relax. If there are no shady spots available, make your own shade with an umbrella or tarp.
Avoid the Crowd
Memorial Day parades can get crowded. If possible don’t stay too close to the crowd. Try to find a spot away from the crowd where you can move freely yet still see the parade.
If you happen to be part of the crowd, make sure you can easily get away if it gets too dense. The moment you feel claustrophobic or uncomfortable, move to the side or leave the area.
Stay Together
If you’re going to the Memorial Day parade in a group, make sure you stay together at all times. Use the buddy-buddy system so no one is left alone, especially if someone needs to use the restroom or wants to buy something. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Keep Your Children Close
Memorial Day parades can be overwhelming for little ones, so it’s important that you know how to keep children safe in crowded places. Keep a close eye on them at all times. Make sure they’re always close by. Better yet, don’t let go of them as much as possible. You can use a child harness if the crowd gets too big to your liking.
Teach your kids what to do in case they are lost. Make sure they know their name, your name, and your phone number. Write this information down on a card and put it in their pocket, just in case. They should also know how to find help. Teach them to approach a woman with kids to ask for help. They can also go to a police officer or security guard.
Designate a Meeting Point
If you do get separated from your family or friends, have a designated meeting point where everyone can regroup. Choose a spot that’s easily visible and close to the parade route. That way, you can find each other quickly and continue enjoying the Memorial Day parade.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Remember to be alert and watch out for possible trouble. There’s always the possibility of pushing and fights whenever a crowd gathers even if people are there to celebrate something as wholesome and solemn as Memorial Day.
Steer Clear of the Vehicles
Many Memorial Day parades include vehicles like floats and marching bands. While they add to the fun of the parade, it’s important to stay out of their way so you don’t get hurt. Stay on the side of the road. Don’t try to touch or climb on any of the floats. And be careful when crossing the street—look both ways before you step off the curb.
Know What to Do In Case of A Stampede
Whenever there are too many people in one place, the possibility of a stampede is always present. If you find yourself in a situation where people are starting to push and shove each other, stay calm and move away as quickly as you can.
To survive a stampede, you have to stay calm and look for an escape route. If that’s not possible, try to find a wall or something solid that you can hide behind to protect you from the rushing crowd. If there’s nothing to hide behind, your best option is to move with the flow of the crowd until you find a way to escape. Always keep your arms up and in front of you to create a space between you and the person in front.
If you get knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your head with your arms to protect yourself from getting trampled. Try to cover your mouth and nose so you don’t inhale any dust or dirt. And most importantly, don’t try to stand up until the stampede has passed.
Check Your Car
If you’re driving to the parade area, make sure to check your vehicle beforehand and remove any potential hazards. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, your brakes are working, and your headlights and taillights are in working order. Check your tools and car emergency kit if they’re in the vehicle. Fill the tank up the day before, especially if the drive is quite far. Get a good night’s sleep so you won’t feel drowsy behind the wheel. Memorial Day parades can get crowded, so it’s important to be extra cautious when driving.
Arrive Early
It’s always best to arrive early at Memorial Day parades. That way, you can find a good spot to watch the parade and avoid the crowds.
Listen to Official Announcements
Be sure to listen out for any announcements made by parade organizers or law enforcement officials. They will usually announce when the parade is about to start and end, as well as any changes in the route. Pay attention to these announcements so you can plan accordingly.
Follow the Rules
Memorial Day parades usually have a set of rules that participants and spectators must follow. Make sure you know what these rules are before attending the parade. Not following the rules could result in you getting kicked out or, worse, arrested.
Memorial Day is a time to come together as a community and honor those who have fought and given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It’s also a great opportunity to celebrate our freedoms. However, it’s important to remember that with large crowds comes the potential for accidents and emergencies. That’s why it’s crucial to take these Memorial Day safety tips seriously and be prepared for any situation that may arise. By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day parade for everyone involved. Visit Gentleman Pirate Club for more useful safety tips. Have a fun and safe holiday!
