Fall has to be one of my favorite seasons. While everyone else is wishing for a few more days of summer, I am counting down the days until the leaves start changing colors and the temperature begins to cool. With the coming of a new season, however, comes a new set of safety concerns. Here are a few to help you and your family have a safe and happy fall!
1. Check your furnace. If your furnace hasn't been used since last winter, it is probably a good idea to have a heating and cooling company service your furnace to be sure everything is in working order.
2. Use a space heater or fireplace with caution. Never leave a burning fire or space heater unattended. Keep your home safe by using a fireplace screen to keep sparks from flying out.
3. Don't burn leaves. Burning leaves produces dangerous and cancer-causing chemicals. Instead, consider bagging them and taking them to your local yard waste disposal facility.
4. Check the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
5. Watch for children. Cooler weather allows for children to play outside more. School is also in session. Be aware of bus stops in your neighborhood and children crossing the road to get to the bus/bus stop.
For those of us with pets, here are a few safety tips to keep your pet safe during the fall:
1. It is tick season! Check your cat or dog for ticks if they have been outside for prolonged periods of time, especially if they have been playing in the leaves. Consider getting your pet a flea and tick collar or treat them with the appropriate medication.
2. As the weather gets colder, don't leave your animals outside for extended periods of time.
3. Keep decorations out of the way. Cats and dogs may think your shiny decorations are new toys. Some decorations contain toxic metals or could become a choking hazard.
We hope these tips help keep everyone safe and healthy this fall!