Protecting Your Pets and Kids During Memorial Day
Written by Jay M. Kelley III in Accident & Injury, Health & Wellness on May 22, 2024

As Memorial Day approaches, families are gearing up for outdoor gatherings, BBQs, and more to honor the holiday. While it’s a time for remembrance and celebration, it’s important to prioritize the safety of our most vulnerable family members – our pets and kids. In this blog post, we’ll discuss essential safety tips to ensure a fun and hazard-free Memorial Day for everyone in your household.
Pet Safety Tips
From hot weather to toxic foods and loud noises, it’s crucial to take precautions to keep our furry friends safe and comfortable during the holiday weekend. Here are some tips to help protect your pets:
- Prevent Overheating: Keep pets indoors or in a secure, shaded area during outdoor gatherings to prevent overheating and stress.
- Avoid Toxic Foods: Avoid feeding pets foods that are toxic to them, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and avocado.
- Use Pet-Friendly Products: Use pet-friendly insect repellents to protect animals from bites and stings during outdoor activities.
- Fireworks Safety: Create a safe, quiet space indoors where pets can retreat during fireworks displays to minimize anxiety and fear.
Childproofing Tips
BBQs and outdoor parties are a staple of Memorial Day celebrations, but they can also present hazards for children if proper precautions aren’t taken. To ensure a safe and enjoyable time for the whole family, consider these childproofing tips:
- Grill Safety: Always supervise children around grills, hot surfaces, and open flames to prevent burns and fire-related accidents.
- Safe Play Area: Create a designated play area away from the grill and other hazards, equipped with toys and games to keep children entertained and occupied.
- Secure Dangerous Items: Keep alcohol and sharp utensils out of reach of children, and closely monitor swimming pools or bodies of water to prevent drowning incidents.
- Fire Education: Teach children about fire safety and the dangers of playing with matches or fireworks.
By following these Memorial Day safety tips for pets and kids, you can ensure that everyone in your family stays safe and healthy while enjoying the holiday. Remember to prioritize supervision, proper precautions, and responsible behavior to create lasting memories without accidents or injuries. We are wishing you and your loved ones a happy and safe Memorial Day!
Jay M. Kelly III - Managing Partner
Meet Jay M. Kelley III, a top medical malpractice attorney in Ohio with over 25 years of experience and $200 million in verdicts and settlements. He leads Elk + Elk’s litigation strategy in state and federal courts and has a unique background as a former felony prosecutor and hospital defense lawyer. Jay specializes in complex cases, including birth injuries and wrongful death, and is recognized by Best Lawyers and ranked among the Super Lawyers Top 10 in Ohio.