While it doesn’t have quite the reputation of certain other holidays for house fires, car accidents and other calamities, Labor Day does call for a healthy dose of caution while you’re celebrating the unofficial end of summer.

Many people break out the grill on Labor Day, and that can cause a whole host of issues if not used correctly and safely.

More motorists are on the roads, as well, and there is bound to be some impaired drivers in the mix.

So with potential danger both at home and on the road, what are you to do with your three-day weekend?

Not to worry: celebration can be done, but it must be done safely.

The Suffolk Police Department has already said it will have increased patrols this weekend. That means police will be out looking, especially for drunk drivers and those who are driving distracted.

Police advise citizens to wear a seat belt all the time, never drink and drive, be patient and avoid distractions while driving. One of the most common distractions is a cell phone, so put it down and enjoy the ride. That text about who’s bringing paper plates to the cookout can wait.

And speaking of the cookout, grill safety is important, too. Don’t let your home be one of the 4,500 structure fires that firefighters, on average, respond to across the nation every Labor Day. You don’t want to have to take a break from the potato salad to make a trip to the emergency room, either.

Some of the easiest and common-sense safety tips for grills include the following:

• Keep small children and pets safely away from the grill.
• Wear a thick apron when grilling and use long-handled utensils and an oven mitt.
• Do not leave a grill unattended.
• Place the grill far away from homes, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

We hope everybody has a happy and safe Labor Day.