Seasonal Tips - Fall

Ashes may be used as a repellent. Sprinkle ashes beside row crops and on paths through the garden to discourage slugs and snails

FALL SAFETY TIPS

WOODSTOVES:

We have had a few days with that little “nip” in the air. How cozy it is to feel the warmth of a fire in the woodstove or fireplace. Now is the time to think ahead to cold winter nights and burning wood safely.  Take the following steps to protect your family and property:

• have your chimney cleaned

• clean your woodstove

• remove clutter which may have accumulated on or near the stove or fireplace

• be sure your chimney is lined and liner is in good condition

• be sure chimney bricks and mortar are in good condition

• do not have more than one heating device in a single flue (liner)

• have a good supply of dry wood

SMOKE ALARMS

• test all smoke alarms
• place an alarm on each floor to give advance warning
• practice a family fire drill of what all members of the family would do if the smoke alarm went off

CANDLES

Burning candles, although romantic or necessary due to a power outage, can be very dangerous.

• never leave a burning candle unattended

• do not use around small children or pets

• do not place near combustible items

• be sure to place on a stable base

MATCHES AND CIGARETTE LIGHTERS

• do not leave where children can get them

• store matches in a non-combustible container

DRYER VENTS

MAINTENANCE

• be sure outdoor lighting is adequate
• repair porches and steps
• put summer items away from porches and lawns so that someone won’t trip and fall
• have a sand supply ready for the soon to be icy walks and driveways

Now is the time to prepare your home for the winter months ahead.

• clean out gutters of leaves and debris
• check roof shingles to be sure they are in good condition for wind, ice and snow
• check windows for deteriorated sills and putty to prevent water damage to walls and ceilings
• take a look at large trees on your property and remove trees and limbs which appear rotted and could fall on your property in winter storms

AND, SCHOOL CHILDREN

• school is in session, allow yourself extra time
• stop for school buses
• slow down when approaching children on the side of the road
• watch for children who may dart out from between cars
• be courteous, a child’s life is not worth the “rush”
• protect our children
  
   

HALLOWEEN SAFTEY TIPS

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.

• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.

• Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.

• Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.

• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.

• Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.

• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

• Plan ahead to use only battery powered lanterns or chemical lightsticks instead of candles in decorations and costumes.

• This is also a great time to buy fresh batteries for your home Smoke Alarms.

• Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 9-1-1 can be dialed free from any phone.

• Review with your childre
  n the principle of "Stop-Drop-Roll", should their clothes catch on fire.

• Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time.

• Consider purchasing individually packaged healthy food alternatives (or safe non-food treats) for those who visit your home.

• Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.

• Learn or review CPR skills to aid someone who is choking or having a heart attack.   

FUN ALTERNATIVES:

• Find a special event or start one in your own neighborhood.
• Community Centers, Shopping Malls and Houses of Worship may have organized festivities.
• Share the fun by arranging a visit to a Retirement Home or Senior Center.
• Create an alliance with Service Clubs for children’s face painting or a carnival.  

BEFORE NIGHTFALL ON HALLOWEEN:

• A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
• Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.
• While children can help with the fun of designing a Jack O’ Lantern, leave the carving to adults.
• Always keep Jack O’ Lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.
• Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you.
• Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard.
• Agree on a specific time when revelers must return home.
• Along with flashlights for all, older children and escorts should wear a wristwatch and carry coins for non-emergency phone calls.
• Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification tags. Consult your veterinarian for further advice.
• Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.  

WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING:

• A Parent or responsible Adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• Remind Trick-or-Treaters:
  • By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
  • Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.
  • Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
  • Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
  • If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
  • Never cut across yards or use alleys.
  • Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.
  • Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
  • Always walk. Never run across a street.
  • Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).
  • Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.
  • Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will.
  • Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.
  • No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an Adult at home.
  • Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.\

 AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING:

• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible Adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.
• Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.