Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, but before heading outdoors and firing up the barbecue, it's important to protect and prepare yourself and your home. 

Baychester’s Home Depot sales associate Frances Minaya says many summer injuries are caused by forgetting to shut off the propane or not closing it entirely.

 It is also important to prevent standing water around the house, which can attract mosquitoes, ticks and moths. Most bug repellents and eliminators are either for indoor or outdoor use, but not for both. The outdoor products are often too harsh for inside the home.

Last but not least, don't forget the sunblock! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.

The city's parks department is installing 100 free sunscreen dispensers at New York City beaches this summer, all of which officially open on Saturday.