Let’s all celebrate summer’s official close this Labor Day weekend, but let’s make safety a priority.

During the holiday period, which begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29, and ends at midnight Monday, Sept. 1, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) encourages everyone to take special care while celebrating at home, traveling the state’s roadways or enjoying time on the water.

ALEA officers across the state will work together to create a highly visible enforcement presence intended to prevent crimes and violations that lead to deaths and injuries. The public should expect officers – even in unmarked vehicles – to make enforcement stops on roadways and waterways.

“We will work together to protect the public and promote safety this Labor Day weekend,” said Spencer Collier, Alabama’s Secretary of Law Enforcement. “We ask you, the public, to assist us in making this a safe holiday.”

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s members remind the public to:

•Avoid driving or boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

•Restrict access and closely monitor teens to prevent underage use of alcoholic beverages

•Pay attention to speed limits and driving conditions on the road, and obey boating laws on the water

•Watch out for swimmers and other boaters

•Watch for debris in the water or on roadways

•Use seat belts and child restraints in motor vehicles and life vests on the water

•Take care when using grills, never leaving them unattended and placing them a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic

•Keep children and pets from potential danger by designating a 3-foot “safe zone” around the grill

•Pay attention to weather conditions, particularly when it involves thunder and lightning

In addition, ABC Enforcement is set to launch its compliance campaign to reduce point-of-sales access of alcohol/tobacco products to underage individuals.

For further information on making this Labor Day weekend safe, contact:

Alabama Dept. of Public Safety: Sgt. Steve Jarrett, 334.242.4445, steve.jarrett@dps.alabama.gov

Marine Police: Sgt. Walter Lacey, 334.353.9265, walter.lacey@dcnr.alabama.gov

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency: Anna Morris, 334.517.2819, anna.morris@le.alacop.gov

Alabama Alcohol Beverage Control Enforcement: Dean Argo, 334.213.6308, dean.argo@abc.alabama.gov

Alabama Dept. of Insurance, State Fire Marshal’s Office: Stephen Holmes, 334.240.4434, stephen.holmes@insurance.alabama.gov