Seasonal safety tips for the home, on the road and in the community

With Halloween activities and the return of darker mornings and evenings following the time change on November 1, fall brings new safety considerations and an opportunity to refresh seasonal safety habits.

Halloween safety tips

• Use glow sticks or battery-operated candles for jack-o'-lanterns and other Halloween decor. 
• Consider adding reflective materials, flashlights or glow sticks to costumes, planning trick-or-treat routes in advance and ensuring children are accompanied by an adult.   
• Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o'-lanterns with candles in them. 
• Keep Halloween decorations away from open flames and other heat sources, such as light bulbs and heaters. 
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.

Seasonal emergency preparedness checks 

Fall is the perfect time to complete seasonal maintenance and emergency preparedness checks: 

• Check your 72-hour emergency kit. Replace expired items and swap your summer emergency supplies for winter ones. For an emergency kit list, visit the City's emergency plan and preparedness webpage.   
• Review your household emergency escape plan. 
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries if needed. 
• Inspect doors and windows for drafts and damaged weather stripping. 
• Have your heating system and fireplace chimney inspected before winter.

Drive with caution and stay visible outdoors 

Reduced daylight means motorists, cyclists and pedestrians all need to take extra care: 

• Motorists should look closely for pedestrians and cyclists as they are not as easy to see this time of year. 
• Motorists should watch for increased pedestrian activity in residential neighbourhoods around Halloween. 
• Pedestrians and cyclists should consider wearing bright or reflective clothing when walking or cycling. Use eye contact, a wave or a nod to communicate with drivers before crossing. Never assume you have been seen. 
• Use lights and reflectors when travelling in dusk and low light conditions.  
• Cross only at designated intersections and crosswalks.  
• Keep morning and evening dog walks safe by wearing high-visibility gear, using a short, fixed leash, and choosing well-lit, familiar routes. 

Protect your home from fall storms 

A few preventative tasks can help protect your home from fall and winter weather: 

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters, drains and downspouts to help with rainwater flow and flood prevention. 
• Consider a home flood prevention program.  
• Inspect your roof for loose shingles or signs of leaks. 
• Prune trees and shrubs that could become hazardous during storms. 
• Disconnect garden hoses and winterize outdoor faucets to prevent frozen pipes. 
• When using power tools, remember the importance of safe lithium-ion battery powered device use. Remember to buy safe, charge safe, use safe.  
• Wear appropriate protective equipment and stay hydrated when doing yard work. 

A little preparation now can go a long way toward keeping your family, home and community safe throughout the fall season.