MADISON, Wis. — Memorial Day marks the start of the busy summer travel and cookout season for many people. Whether you are hitting the road or having friends over, ReadyWisconsin is encouraging everyone to make safety a priority.

“The holiday weekend is always a great time to take a short trip to visit with family and friends,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Brian Satula. “By planning ahead and following these safety tips, everyone can enjoy their time together during the holiday.”

If you are traveling, make sure your car is ready for the trip. Pack a first-aid kit, bottled water and some energy bars, in case you get stranded. Bring a car adaptor for charging your cell phone.

Schedule road trips outside of peak travel times, so you can avoid traffic congestion. Consider leaving before rush hour on Friday or waiting until early Saturday morning. Driving back home Monday before 4 p.m. or after 10 p.m. can also help make for an easier return trip.

Be sure to check www.511wi.gov or call 511 for the latest traffic and road information on your route.

If you are feeling tired or ill, or have been drinking alcohol, let someone else drive or postpone your trip.

With temperatures warming up, remember to never leave people or pets inside a parked car. Temperatures inside a vehicle can climb to dangerous levels quickly, even on a cloudy day.

If you are grilling food, make sure you are following the manufacturer recommendations on proper use. Never leave a grill unattended and make sure you have a fire extinguisher available.

For more information go to readywisconsin.wi.gov. For daily safety tips and information, follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/readywisconsin) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/readywisconsin).