Autumn safety tips
Autumn, with its vibrant foliage and cool, crisp air, is a season many eagerly await. The allure of pumpkin-spiced treats, cozy evenings by the fireplace, and the anticipation of festive holidays make it a favorite time of year for many. However, the beauty and comforts of the season come with certain risks, and it’s important to keep safety precautions in mind. From the hazards on our roads to the precautions needed in our homes, staying informed can ensure we fully enjoy all that autumn has to offer, safely and securely.
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Staying Safe in the Fall
Home Safety
Fall is when we switch from our ACs to our heating systems (or when you change your heat pump settings), and there are a number of things you can do to keep your home comfortable and safe as the temperature drops.
Heating Systems
- Tune-ups — Since it wasn’t used during the warmer months, your heating system needs a check-up. Regular maintenance ensures its efficiency, longevity and, most importantly, safety. Consider scheduling a professional inspection to identify potential issues before they escalate.
- Carbon monoxide awareness — Ensure your carbon monoxide detectors are functional. A malfunctioning furnace can release this odorless, colorless gas turning a cozy home into a silent hazard.
Fire Safety
- Indoor fireplace —
- Regular cleaning — Creosote, a byproduct of wood combustion, can accumulate in your chimney and become a fire hazard. Regular cleaning reduces this risk.
- Safe operation — Always use a protective screen when your fireplace is in use. This prevents embers from escaping and igniting nearby materials. Ensure the flue is open when the fireplace is in use for proper ventilation.
- Fuel — Only burn seasoned hardwood. Green or damp wood can cause excessive smoke and creosote buildup.
- Outdoor bonfires —
- Location — Choose an open area away from trees, shrubs, structures and other flammable materials.
- Safety first — Always have a hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby. Monitor the fire continuously and ensure it’s completely extinguished before leaving.
- Wind conditions — Avoid lighting a bonfire on windy days, as the wind can spread sparks and embers, increasing the risk of unintended fires.
General Home Safety
- Smoke detectors — Autumn is a great reminder to check your smoke detectors. Replace batteries as needed and test the alarms to ensure they’re operational.
- General home preparation — As leaves begin to fall, ensure all pathways around your home are clear to prevent slipping hazards. Consider adding non-skid surfaces to exterior stairs, especially if they’re frequently used. Make it a routine to check outdoor lighting fixtures to ensure they’re functioning correctly, providing adequate illumination during the shorter days.
Fall Road Safety
Fall introduces a range of road hazards that require both drivers and pedestrians to be extra vigilant.
Changing Conditions
- Wet leaves — While falling leaves add beauty to our surroundings, when they get wet these leaves can make roads and sidewalks as slippery as ice. The thin layer of water between the road and the leaves can cause vehicles to skid, making it crucial for drivers to reduce speed, especially around turns.
- Fog — The cooling temperatures of autumn often lead to early morning and late evening fog, particularly in rural and low-lying areas. This fog can significantly reduce visibility. You can account for that by turning on your low beams (not high beams), reducing your speed and maintaining a safe following distance. For pedestrians, wearing reflective clothing or using a flashlight can make a big difference in being seen.
- Early darkness — As the days shorten, many commuters find themselves driving home in the dark. This can further reduce visibility, especially when combined with oncoming headlights or reflections from wet roads. Ensure your vehicle’s headlights and taillights are functioning correctly and to be extra cautious in pedestrian-heavy areas.
Drivers, Pedestrians and Wildlife
- Children on the move — The return to school and the approach of Halloween means more children are out and about and more young (inexperienced) drivers are on the road. Whether they’re heading to school, walking to the bus stop or out trick-or-treating, drivers need to be especially alert during morning and evening hours. Slow down in school zones and residential areas .
- Wildlife activity — Fall is a particularly active time for deer and other wildlife. The combination of mating season and searching for food means these animals are more likely to venture onto roads, especially during dawn and dusk. Always reduce speed in known deer-crossing areas and use high beams when possible to spot animals sooner. While we don’t see many large animals in St. Louis, drivers in rural areas should be on the lookout for deer. If you see one, expect more to follow. Drivers in St. Louis should be on the lookout for smaller animals so you don’t have to swerve your car at the last minute if one crosses your path.
- Leaf peepers — Autumn also brings out the “Leaf Peepers” – those individuals or groups eager to see and photograph the changing foliage. Drivers should be prepared for sudden stops or pedestrians on the road, especially in scenic or wooded areas.
Driving Preparedness
- Tire check — The fluctuating temperatures of fall can affect tire pressure. You need proper tire inflation to maintain traction, especially on wet or leaf-covered roads. Regularly checking tire pressure and treads ensures your vehicle is ready for any road conditions.
- Winter preparations — While winter may still be a few weeks away, fall is the perfect time to ensure your vehicle is ready for the colder months ahead. This includes checking antifreeze levels, replacing worn-out windshield wipers and keeping flashlights and blankets in your car in case of emergencies.
Don’t Drink and Drive
This one is often mentioned in “summer safety tips” or “holiday safety tips,” but it bears repeating no matter the time of year. If you know you’re going to be drinking, figure out how you’re getting home ahead of time. It’s always better to get an Uber or call a friend than to take the risk of driving drunk.
Slip and Falls
- Leaf hazards — Fallen leaves can quickly become a hazard, especially when they become wet. These damp leaves can make walkways and driveways slippery, increasing the risk of falls. If you’re a renter and see leaves piled up around your property, make sure to tell your landlord (and keep a record of you telling them in case you have to make a slip and fall claim).
- Rain and morning dew — Autumn mornings often come with dew, and the season sees its share of rainy days. Both can make surfaces slick. Ensure that outdoor areas, especially steps and pathways, are free from moisture or have non-slip mats placed on them.
- Visibility concerns — With reduced daylight hours, ensure outdoor areas are well-lit. Proper lighting can help in identifying potential slip hazards like puddles or wet leaves.
- Raking and maintenance — Regularly raking leaves and disposing of them can prevent accumulation and reduce slip hazards. Also, consider trimming overhanging branches that drop leaves onto walkways.
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Outdoor Activities and Health
Activities and Safety
- Halloween safety — As children and adults alike take to the streets for trick-or-treating, it’s imperative for both pedestrians and drivers to be cautious. Parents should ensure their children’s costumes are visible at night and know where their kids are going. Drivers should be particularly vigilant, watching for sudden movements or children darting between cars.
- Yard preparations and ladder safety — Clearing gutters, trimming trees and other yard maintenance often require the use of ladders. Ensure stability by having someone spot you, and never overreach – move the ladder instead. Always check for overhead power lines before setting up a ladder.
- Enjoying seasonal activities with caution — Whether it’s a family football game or a hike to enjoy the fall foliage, approach all activities with safety in mind. Remember, wet leaves can be slippery, and uneven terrain can pose risks.
Health Precautions
- Get your shots — The onset of fall signals the beginning of flu season and the rise of COVID cases. Consider getting a flu shot or COVID booster to protect against the most recent strains.
- Regular handwashing — Wash your hands frequently, especially after being in public spaces or touching surfaces. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid close contact with those who are sick and always cover coughs and sneezes. Don’t touch your face until you’ve washed your hands
Burger Law’s Missouri and Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers Are Here to Help
Fall offers both cozy nights by the fire and exciting days outside. But like anything in life, it’s usually better to be safe than sorry. However, sometimes we can do everything right to stay safe, but we get hurt anyway because someone else decides to break the rules. If that happens, call Burger Law. We will fight by your side and get you the maximum compensation you deserve. With offices in St. Louis and Chicago, we serve the injured throughout Missouri and Illinois. Call Burger Law today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free consultation.
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