This Memorial Day, many people will be traveling and firing up the backyard grill, and the American Red Cross offers a series of steps everyone can follow to safely enjoy the holiday weekend.

“Everyone looks forward to having fun over Memorial Day and the Red Cross wants to make sure people know how to stay safe while enjoying the holiday,” said Jim Gilloon, Red Cross Regional Communication Manager.

Millions of people will be on the highways over the Memorial Day weekend. The Red Cross offers these tips everyone should do to stay safe while traveling:

*Buckle seat belts, observe speed limits.

*Do not drink and drive.

*Pay full attention to the road – don’t use a cell phone to call or text.

*Have an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle.

*Clean the vehicle’s lights and windows to help the driver see, especially at night. Turn the headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.

Fire Season typically begins in May and here are some tips to stay fire safe.

*Avoid parking or driving through areas with grass that would touch your muffler.

*Dispose cigarettes properly.

*Don’t drag chains — One spark is all it takes.

Every year people are injured while using charcoal or gas grills. Here are several steps to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:

*Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.

*Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.

*Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.

*Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.

*Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.

Have a safe holiday.