Fall Season Fire Prevention & Other Safety Messages...

Think safety as you enjoy the cooler temperatures and vibrant colors:

• Safely warm up by the fire.

  • Inspect your fireplace before lighting the first fire. One of the simple joys of autumn is warming up in front of a fireplace. ...

If you have a fireplace in your home, be sure to have it cleaned and inspected before lighting your first fire of the season. A buildup of soot and creosote can cause a chimney fire and a backup of dangerous carbon monoxide gas into your home. Keep the area around the fireplace clear and remove any hanging decorations on your mantle. Most importantly, keep a fire extinguisher nearby at all times.

• Never leave burning candles unattended. ...

While glowing candles make any environment feel cozier, remember to keep burning candles away from anything that could burn, such as curtains, bedding or books. Also, always extinguish a candle before going to bed or leaving the house. Never leave children or pets alone with a burning candle.

• Watch for new roadway hazards. ...

Going back to school brings traffic changes. School buses, students on bicycles and teen drivers are out on the roads.

Slow down and take extra care to look for children in school zones, near playgrounds and residential areas. Also, never pass a bus with flashing red lights on, or another vehicle stopped for a pedestrian.

• Be alert for wildlife on roadways. ...

Wildlife is on the move in the fall, so watch carefully for deer, turkeys and other critters crossing the road in front of your vehicle. They are most active from dusk through dawn.

Remember that some animals — deer in particular — frequently travel in groups. If you see one crossing, more are bound to follow.

• Share the roads with farmer’s harvesting equipment. ...

In rural areas, fall brings the harvest season with large farming equipment on the roads. Be alert for slow-moving vehicles, and give them plenty of space. This provides better visibility to you and the other driver. Remember that they may turn unexpectedly into fields or driveways. Just because you can see the equipment does not mean the other driver can see you.

Additional information regarding Fall Weather Safety Concerns may be viewed at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/news/nws-fall-weather-safety-campaign.