Summer has came and went. The leaves are falling, the colours are changing and the temperatures are dropping. Fall also brings some hazards we need to be cautious about. But with the right Fall Safety Tips, you can still enjoy the autumn season and everything it has to offer.
Here are some tips to consider when planning for Fall:
Back To School Traffic
Having the kids back at school means more traffic on the roads in the morning and late afternoons.
Be alert when you’re crossing the street or driving in a school zone. People tend to rush things in the morning as they run around trying to get their kids to school and make it to work on time
Falling Leaves
As the leaves start to change colours, they also start to FALL. Falling leaves become slippery once they hit the ground and can pose as a safety threat no matter if you’re driving or walking.
You never know what kind of garbage or debris ended up in that pile you just raked – especially if you live on a busy street or neighbourhood.
Fire Safety
Your furnace and heaters have been sitting untouched all summer long.
Turning them on without properly inspecting and servicing them can be a fire hazard. Be sure to get an inspection of your heating system and anything else that hasn’t been used in a while.
Wet Surfaces
Fall weather usually brings with it colder and damper temperatures.
Rain takes longer to evaporate in the colder weather and thus makes everything wet for longer periods of time, creating potential slip and fall scenarios. Double check everything before you use it or walk on it (ladders, sidewalks, railings, etc)
Unpredictable Weather
Ontario weather can be unpredictable. You could be wearing a t-shirt during the day and bundled up in your winter jacket a few hours later.
Always be prepared for unpredictable weather changes when you’re going to be outdoors for long periods of time. If you don’t have an emergency car kit in your vehicle already, now is a good time to get one before the weather gets even colder
Battery Check
Test your batteries and replace them if necessary. Make sure you have backups on hand in case of power outages or other emergencies.
Make sure your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and other important emergency devices are in working order and have fresh batteries
Reflective Clothing
It’s getting darker earlier but the dog still needs to be walked and exercise is still a part of many people’s daily routine.
Make sure you wear reflective clothing if you’re out at night – this includes your four-legged friend on their collars or leash to make sure they’re visible to people driving by.
If you consider these 7 things, you’ll be sure that you and your family have a safe and happy Fall season!
