Fall temperatures, colors, and smells are here! While fall is undoubtedly enjoyable and beautiful, it also brings situations that can lead to illness or injury for you and your family. I put together this list of tips to help keep your family safe and healthy (pets included!) and even help you save money.
For me, the first tip is the most important. I tend to exercise like crazy in fall and winter because it’s dark and cold here in Wisconsin, and it’s not a busy time for me. This is when I’m in my best shape.
1. Exercise each day. This becomes important as the days get darker and colder. Exercise can improve your mood because it helps release “feel good” chemicals. It’s recommended that adults exercise 2 hours and 30 minutes a week. The exercise should be of moderate aerobic intensity, including brisk walking, water aerobics, or riding a bike on flat ground. Exercise can help avoid dangerous slips and falls, as well as injuries that are caused by shoveling snow.2. Start thinking about what Christmas gifts you want to purchase. This financial safety tip can help you budget more effectively and prevent those hefty credit card bills after the holidays. Buying gifts early can also help reduce the stress of holiday hustle and bustle.
3. If you live in a neighborhood with large trees and leaves that clog your gutters, be careful when using a ladder. Many accidental deaths and injuries occur when people clean their gutters, repair their roofs, and hang holiday decorations. ALWAYS have a spotter to hold the ladder and guide you as you navigate your way up and down the ladder. Your best bet is to use a ladder safety harness or attach your ladder securely to your home or other structure.
With Englert Leaf Guard® Brand Gutters, you may not need to clean your gutters.
4. As the daylight disappears, stay focused and distraction free while driving. It’s getting darker earlier, and seeing people walking, biking, and riding motorcycles is more rigid. Always be on the lookout and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
With Englert Leaf Guard® Brand Gutters, you may not need to clean your gutters.
4. As the daylight disappears, stay focused and distraction free while driving. It’s getting darker earlier, and seeing people walking, biking, and riding motorcycles is more rigid. Always be on the lookout and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
5. If you enjoy taking your pets for walks in the woods, watch out for mushrooms. While most mushrooms are non-toxic, some can be life-threatening to your pets. If you see your pet eating a wild mushroom, contact your veterinarian immediately or visit this website for guidance.
6. If your pet enjoys being outside, make sure it gets good nutrition. Pets that exercise outdoors in colder temperatures need more food to help them generate sustainable body heat. Make sure the water is fresh and not frozen.
7. As the days get shorter, ensure your outdoor lighting works properly. Adequate lighting around your home can protect you and your family against crime, falls, or other accidents caused by darkness. If you use a number pad to open your garage door(s), it’s also an excellent time to install a fresh set of batteries.
8. Install new batteries in your smoke detectors. And if you haven’t already, install carbon monoxide detectors near your home's bedrooms and furnace.
9. Cold and flu season begins. One of the best ways to prevent illness is to wash your hands regularly. Use hot water and plenty of soap, and tell your family to do the same. Experts recommend washing your hands for at least 30 seconds. I also recommend keeping anti-bacterial hand sanitizer in your car’s glove compartment. Consider getting a flu shot. It’s relatively inexpensive and can help prevent illness or reduce flu-like symptoms.
10. Purchase a supply of furnace filters. Experts recommend that the filters be changed monthly to help save on energy costs and to cut down on the amount of dust flying around your home.
Do you have any suggestions or information you’d like to share? I’d love to hear from you! Please share them in the box below.
