Home and Auto Safety Tips

For the Home

• Every month should be fire prevention month, but we tend to plug in a lot more devices in the fall and winter. It's important to test all smoke alarms and have a family fire drill. Remember to replace used and expired fire extinguishers as well.
• Turn your heater on before the temperatures really plummet so you can ensure it works. Contact a technician to inspect that it's operating properly if you suspect it needs servicing.
• Keep all flammable materials away from your furnace. This includes, clothing, paint products, toxic materials, cardboard and more.
• If you use a portable or space heater, keep it away from clothing, bedding, drapery and furniture. Remember to shut them off if you leave the house and don't leave them unattended if you have children or pets.
• Do not use your space heater as a dryer for hats, gloves and other articles of clothing.
• If you have a fireplace, inspect the chimney to confirm it is free of debris, creosote buildup, and is unobstructed so combustibles can vent. Make sure the bricks, mortar and liner are in good condition.
• Do not warm your kitchen with a gas range or an open oven door, as this can lead to toxic air that is not safe to breathe.
• Keep matches, lighters and candles out of the reach of children and pets.
• When burning a candle, don't leave them unattended, burning near other flammable items or on an unsteady surface.
• Doing laundry? Avoid fires by cleaning filters after each load of wash and removing lint that collects in dryer vents.
• Do a quick check for areas that may need repair before extreme weather hits: unsteady roof shingles, warped windowsills and concrete that might be sloping toward the house.
• Check all outdoor lighting fixtures to make sure they are working properly. This can safeguard you against falls and neighborhood crime.
• Clean your gutters by removing all debris and leaves.
• Before burning leaves, check your city's regulations, as it may be illegal where you live. If you burn them, do so away from the house and use proper containers.

For the Car

• With fewer hours of daylight, it can be difficult to see pedestrians or cyclists clearly, so if you don't have automatic headlights, make sure they are on at the onset of dusk.
• In the mornings, the sun can be extremely bright, making it difficult to see brake lights ahead. Keep a pair of sunglasses in your car to reduce glare and protect your vision.
• Temperatures can also affect driving performance. Clear your windshield of frost before beginning your journey and turn on your defogger if necessary. Frost can also form on the road surface without being visible, so be cautious in wooded areas, bridges and overpasses, where ice can quickly develop. Remember, leaves + rain can also make for a very slippery surface!
• Keep an emergency kit in your trunk. Some can be found in stores already pre-made for convenience, but if you want to create your own, be sure to include a flashlight, first-aid kit, jumper cables, windshield washer fluid and basic tools. You might even consider purchasing a car battery charger if you have a long commute each day.
• As I say – "Don't veer for deer." Meaning, don't swerve! You could lose control of the car quickly, especially if you are on a curve or narrow road with little to no shoulder. Instead, brake firmly with both hands on the wheel to come to a controlled stop.