Fall Safety Tips

Fall Safety Tips

The days are getting shorter, the air is getting cooler, and the leaves are beginning to drop from the trees. Fall is officially here.  With proper safety precautions in mind your family can enjoy the crisp autumn weather while avoiding some of the dangers that come with the season.

When the weather turns cold most people start to spend more time indoors using fireplaces, furnaces and heaters to keep warm. There is nothing quite a cozy as a fire but it does present some safety hazards.  Be sure to keep these tips in mind to keep your family warm and safe.

  • Service Your Furnace – Before the cold autumn and winter weather sets in, be sure to call your local heating company to have your furnace serviced and inspected.
  • Use Fireplaces Safely – Keep that fire where it belongs by using a fireplace screen to keep sparks from flying out.  Never leave a burning fire unattended, and make sure its completely extinguished before going to bed.
  • Use Space Heaters Carefully – Space heaters are a great way to warm up a chilly room, but make sure you read the instructions on the heater before you use it. Make sure you maintain proper clearances around the unit to prevent fires.
  • Exercise Candle Caution – Candles are a great way to give a room a cozy warm feel, but they also cause fires. According to the National Candle Association, there are almost 10,000 home fires each year in the US that started from improper candle use.  Never leave a candle unattended and always keep them away from pets and children.

There is nothing more beautiful than a drive out to Alberta’s Rocky Mountains in the fall, but this season brings with it some unique hazards for drivers. Being aware of potential dangers can keep you and your family safe.

  • Poor Visibility – Falling leaves, while beautiful, can obscure your vision. Shorter days are part of the season, meaning the sun rises later, sets earlier, and doesn’t get as high in the sky.   Make sure you have a good pair of sunglasses in your vehicle to wear when the sign is bright.
  • Children – The shorter days make it more difficult to see children playing, walking to school, and riding bicycles. Be aware of your limitations in visibility and slow down if you can’t see well.
  • Slow Down on Wet Roads – Rain, and wet snow is common during fall in Alberta. Make sure you keep a safe distance from the car in front of you.  Wet roads make it more difficult to stop quickly.  When wet leaves are on the road they make the road even more slippery and it can be hard to get good traction.