Tips to Stay Safe When It Starts Getting Dark Early

We know that well-lit areas are typically safer areas. Over the summer, people sometimes have a tendency to be spoiled by the long days full of light, and forget that when the weather changes again, so will the length of days. Once it starts getting dark early, it’s important to take some extra precautions for keeping your family safe, and we know how to make that happen.

• Be aware that earlier nightfall means decreased visibility at rush hour. Drivers and pedestrians have to readjust to the darkness and that can mean an increase in accidents. In fact, a study by Carnegie Mellon University indicates that the risk of traffic fatality jumps 186% for pedestrians between October and November. If you’re driving, make an extra effort to stay alert. If you’re walking, be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid fatigue, which can contribute to accidents. The time change can throw off our internal clocks, and lowered visibility can make us sleepy. You can counteract this problem by making sure you don’t have a sleep deficit before the time changes, and by being aware that you may be sluggish and less alert for a few days.
• Remember, dangers in the fall aren’t all related to longer nights. Fire, weather changes and even falling leaves can all be considered seasonal hazards. This is a great time to have your furnace serviced to make sure it’s in good working order and to review safety measures for using space heaters. Remember to keep space heaters away from anything flammable, like furniture or window treatments, and read manufacturers’ instructions to make sure you’re using them safely. There’s not much you can do about the weather, but be aware that it can change quickly in the fall, often causing dangerous conditions like wet roads or ice patches. As to falling leaves, they’re lovely to see, but can cause slips and falls if they’re left on the ground. If you’re a homeowner, make sure you rake leaves up promptly to keep your property safe.
• Use the time change as a reminder to follow through on some safety measures. Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, recharge your fire extinguishers and create a winter emergency kit for your car. Depending on where you live, this kit should include things like warm clothes, a blanket, bottled water and non-perishable snacks, a flashlight and extra batteries, a shovel, flares, jumper cables, cat litter or sand for traction, and hats and gloves.

Of course, one of the best ways to keep your home and family safe is to have the right security system installed. At One-Stop Communications, there are home security systems to meet the unique needs of many types of families. For more information about Home Security, visit www.onestopsecurity.com or call 717-248-4996.

Sources: 
http://safetytoolboxtopics.com/Seasonal/end-of-daylight-saving-time-can-be-deadly.html
http://www.takeonestep.org/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=254
http://safety.lovetoknow.com/Fall_Season_Safety_Tips

---