As the unofficial end of summer approaches, many of us will be spending time with family and friends, or perhaps tackling yard or home projects in advance of fall’s arrival.

At UGI Energy Services, we want to ensure your holiday is fun, memorable, productive, and most importantly, safe!

Here are essential safety tips for grilling and yardwork. And we also have a few energy efficiency project ideas to take advantage of this three-day weekend.

Safe Grilling Practices

Grilling and Labor Day go together hand-and-glove (or hand-and-oven-mitt), and safety should always come first to prevent accidents:

• Location Matters: Set up your grill in an open area, away from your home, deck railings, and overhanging branches. Ensure it's on a stable, flat surface to prevent tipping.
• Check for Leaks: For gas grills, inspect your natural gas connection or propane tank and hose for leaks before lighting. Use a soap and water solution to detect leaks—bubbles will indicate a problem.
• Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep flammable materials, including clothing and dish towels, away from the grill. Ensure children and pets stay at least three feet away.
• Never Leave Unattended: Always supervise the grill while in use to prevent fires and other hazards. Similarly, never leave an indoor stove unattended.
• Properly Extinguish: After grilling, turn off the grill completely or ensure coals are fully extinguished. For charcoal grills, let coals cool before disposing of them in a metal container.

Safe Yardwork Practices

Labor Day weekend is also a popular time for yardwork and home improvement projects. Keep these tips in mind for safe and efficient yardwork:

• Call 811 Before You Dig: If your yardwork involves any digging or excavation, it is crucial to call 811 before you start. This free service will have utility lines professionally marked to prevent accidental damage. Calling 811 before digging is a legal requirement and helps prevent potentially dangerous situations, such as hitting underground utility lines, which can cause outages or injuries. Once you call 811, professionals will mark the location of underground lines within a few days, ensuring your project proceeds safely.
• Wear Protective Gear: Use appropriate protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, and sturdy shoes, when using power tools or handling sharp objects.
• Ladder Safety: Ensure your ladder is on a stable surface and maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand).
• Tool Inspection: Inspect power tools for wear and tear before use, ensuring all safety guards are in place and functioning.
• Stay Hydrated: Labor Day can be warm, so stay hydrated and take frequent breaks to avoid heat exhaustion.
• Mind the Weather: Avoid working outside during thunderstorms or extreme heat.

Energy Efficiency Projects

Take advantage of the pleasant weather to address energy efficiency projects around your home (and business). These small tasks can lead to significant savings and comfort improvements:

• Caulking Windows and Doors: Seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent drafts, which can improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs.
• Change HVAC Air Filters: Replace air filters in your HVAC system to ensure it operates efficiently, improving air quality and extending the system's lifespan.
• Inspect Insulation: Check your home's insulation in the attic and walls to ensure it is adequate. Proper insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, as well as reduce energy consumption and costs.
• Efficient Appliances: If you’re in the market for a large new appliance such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine and/or dryer look for Labor Day discounts. This might be the time to invest in new equipment to save on your energy and water bills.
• Upgrade to LED Lighting: Replace traditional bulbs with LED lighting, which uses less energy and lasts longer.
• Install a Programmable Thermostat: Consider installing a programmable thermostat to optimize heating and cooling schedules, reducing energy consumption when you're not home.

Additionally, before you head to the home improvement store, the change of seasons is a good quarterly reminder to check that your smoke detectors are working. If any detectors aren’t working, pick up a new one this weekend.

By incorporating these safety measures and energy efficiency tips, you can ensure a fun, productive, and accident-free Labor Day weekend. Whether you're entertaining, working in the yard or on your home, taking a few precautions can make all the difference.

From all of us at UGI Energy Services, we wish you a safe, happy, and relaxing 2024 Labor Day weekend!