State officials are urging Tennesseans to have a “safe and scam-free” Labor Day while providing tips for those who are traveling or staying at home over the long holiday weekend.
The advice from the Department of Commerce and Insurance includes a caution to motorists to keep in mind a new state law that took effect July 1. It bars drivers from using handheld cellphones or other devices while the vehicle is in motion. Drivers could face fines of up to $200 for violating the “Hands Free” law.
Motorists, officials say, should put their vehicles in park before setting up navigation, sending texts or making calls.
Other travel tips include:
* Before booking a vacation rental or hotel, research the company or travel agent you’re using. Make sure the reviews are positive and that the company is a trusted entity. And choose a hotel or rental that is equipped with smoke alarms and fire sprinklers.
* Be wary of last-minute vacation or hotel offers that seem unrealistically cheap. Officials warn that “if it sounds too good to be true, it is likely a scam.”
* When considering which payment method to use for a vacation rental, keep in mind that credit card companies provide more fraud protection than any other payment method.
* Before leaving home, double-check with hotels and airlines that everything is booked with the correct dates.
* Watch out for card skimmers. Gas stations, convenience centers and ATMs are common targets for thieves to hide card skimmers and steal credit/debit card information. And before filling up or taking cash out of an ATM, the state advises you examine the card reader. If there is a skimmer in place, a wiggle of the card reader should dislodge it.
* If you find or suspect a skimmer, cancel the transaction and notify the cashier or ATM operating company. Report it to the local police immediately. And keep an eye out later for fraudulent charges on bank statements and online accounts.
* While showing off your trip on social media may be a fun way to engage your online audience, it can also tip off thieves that your home is empty. Don’t announce your trip in advance except to trusted friends.
Outdoor Fire Safety
* When barbequeing, place the grill away from combustibles. If using a propane grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line before pushing the ignition switch.
* Lighted citronella candles and torches should be kept out of the reach of children and well away from flammable materials. Build campfires at least 15 feet away from tent walls, shrubs or other materials that burn.
* Never leave a camping area without putting out the campfire. And never add lighter fluid to an existing fire. The flame can flash back up into the container and explode.
Marina Safety
* Never swim within 100 yards of any freshwater marina or boatyard.
* Don’t use common household extension cords to provide shore power to your boat. Use, and encourage other boaters to use, shore power cords built to UL standards.
* If you are swimming and feel tingling, swim away from the dock, try to stay upright, and immediately head for shore at least 100 yards from the dock.
* All of Tennessee’s public marinas and docks have been inspected through our Marina Inspection Program.
– Compiled by Andy Sher