The days are getting cooler, the sun is going down earlier, the leaves are changing colors, and the familiar aromas of fall fill the air. As the season changes, where and how we spend our time can change. Here are a few steps you can take to help keep your family a little safer during a fun-filled fall.
Be seen.
As the sun sets earlier, plan ahead for visibility. Try to adjust your schedules so that children arrive home from activities before dark and make an “after-dark” plan with your child. If you and your children will be outside after dark, wear light-colored clothing with reflective surfaces and carry a flashlight or use the one on your phone.
Plan your trips to apple orchards and pumpkin patches.
Have children wear closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles and only walk in designated areas. If the farm has live animals, practice animal safety with your children before you go. Planning to go on a hayride? Talk to your children about the importance of staying seated with your arms and legs inside the cart, following the rules, and listening to any instructions from the driver. Learn more about hayride safety here.
Change the batteries.
Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, and then test them. Fall is also a great time to review your family’s home fire escape plan and schedule a practice fire drill. Learn more about smoke alarm safety here.
Get your indoor fireplace ready for use.
Have your indoor fireplace swept out and inspected to make sure it is ready for safe use. If you have young children at home, set up baby gates to keep children at least 3 feet from the fireplace. Still having outdoor fires? Read more about campfire safety tips here.
Pack up your summer activities.
Whether your family is cozying up by a fire or spending the day pumpkin-picking, remember to practice these tips for a safer fall season for all.
Center for Injury Research and Policy
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