As flocks of Deneverites and others across Colorado prepare for a weekend getaway, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has a few tips to make the holiday weekend even more special and safe.

Before heading out, the department is encouraging everyone to “Know Before You Go.” Whether it’s the weather or knowing that certain campsites and places require reservations.

Officials are recommending people to use the CPW Park Finder app to learn which activities are available at each state park.

For those headed to lakes to paddleboard or using a boat, CPW is reminding everyone that “Life Vests Save Lives, Practice Boating Safety.”

In addition to wearing the proper size life vest, officials are urging people to check their equipment to make sure it’s survived another winter unscathed, and to check the weather and water conditions.

For recreational water sports such as paddleboarding or kayaking, strong wind gusts could turn someone or cause a kayak to flip over.

Additionally, do not drink and boat. Every year nearly 1,000 people die in boating accidents across the United States and half of them are alcohol-related, according to CPW.

On dry land, CPW is reminding people to be careful with fire and know any restrictions or bans before heading out by checking coemergency.com, which provides up-to-date information on county fire restrictions and bans.

CPW officials are also reminding people to continue to pour water on a fire until you embers can be picked up, never let a fire burn unattended and don’t put coals in a dumpster.

Lastly, “Keep Wildlife Wild.” The Centennial state is home to 960 various species of wildlife and state park officials are reminding people to keep them — and you — safe by not approaching or feeding wildlife.

“As our outdoor community heads outside for the upcoming holiday, Colorado Parks and Wildlife wants to remind Coloradans on simple ways to recreate responsibly to ensure a positive and safe outdoor experience,” official said in a release Thursday.