Five Must-Know Tips to Stay Safe this Autumn 

  1. Fire Safety

There’s nothing like the crackle of a warm fire on a chilly autumn day. While it feels good to cozy up next to one, fires can lead to injuries like burns and smoke inhalation.

Before you start a fire, be sure to follow these universal safety tips: 

• Always keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby.   
• Never leave a fire unattended.  
• Be sure to follow specific safety tips depending on the type of fire.  
• Don’t use gasoline, lighter fluid or kerosene to light a fire. 
• Always keep children and pets a safe distance away from a fire. 
• Never throw objects or trash into a fire. 

For bonfires, campfires and fire pits, consider weather conditions like high winds and air quality before lighting. Choose a spot that’s safely distanced from trees, shrubbery and buildings, and clear away dry leaves and branches.  

Avoid burning leaves, which can emit harmful chemicals and is prohibited in some areas. Check your state’s laws, regulations and requirements to learn what can be burned and where. 

For fireplaces, cleanliness is the key. Chimneys should be cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Clear the area near the fire of anything flammable, and make sure the damper or flue is open before starting. 

  2. Yard Work Safety

Autumn is the time to prepare your property for winter. The tools and equipment you’ll use to clean these areas should be handled with caution to avoid serious injuries.

• Ladders: To reduce the risk of injury, always wear proper footwear and have someone hold the ladder. Ladder-related injuries reached almost 23,000 in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Always place ladders on a flat, stable surface and never stack them on top of one another.   
• Pressure washers: Injuries from pressure washers can appear minor at first, which delays treatment for potentially serious complications. Never point the nozzle at yourself, others or pets. Ensure it's properly plugged into a grounded outlet and avoid using it while standing on a ladder, as the recoil can cause a loss of balance. 
• Leaf blowers: Eye injuries from debris and dust blown into the air can be minimized by wearing protective eyewear. Leaf blowers are also extremely loud, so wearing ear plugs or earmuffs can protect your hearing from damage. 

  3. Road Safety

As the days get shorter, it’s important to adjust your driving habits to ensure safety. Taking extra precautions will protect you, your loved one, and those you share the road with. 

Be cautious of traffic changes from back-to-school activities, including buses and students on bikes or crossing the road. Slow down when driving through school zones, near playgrounds and in residential areas.  

Be alert to weather conditions like rain or fog causing low visibility, and take it slow on roads wet from leaves or frost.  

In autumn, deer and other wildlife are more active. Over 104,000 deer-related crashes have been reported in Ohio since 2018, with nearly half occurring between October and December according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Stay vigilant for animals crossing the road, especially at dawn and dusk.  

  4. Cold and Flu Prevention Safety 

Holidays and gatherings often mean spending more time indoors with others. This makes it easier for germs to spread, leading to a rise in cold and flu illnesses. An estimated 31 million people developed flu symptoms in the 2022-2023 season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Although cold and flu symptoms can be similar, there are some key differences to distinguish between these two illnesses: 

• Cold symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and sneezing. 
• Flu symptoms include fever, body chills or aches, fatigue and headache. 

Limit the spread of these illnesses by washing your hands properly and frequently: Use clean water, lather with soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when coughing or sneezing and stay home if you’re feeling sick. You can also take additional precautions by getting an annual flu shot. 

  5. Outdoor Activities Safety  

Being active outside as the leaves change colors is one of the best ways to enjoy autumn. Just remember to take precautions with the extra time spent outside. 

Dress appropriately with sturdy shoes, layers to adjust to changing weather conditions and temperatures, gloves to avoid hand numbness and reflective clothing to be seen at night. 

For cyclists, wearing a helmet can help prevent serious injuries, especially when roads are slippery due to wet leaves, rain or frost. Carry water to stay hydrated and make sure to make yourself visible to drivers on the road and hunters on wooded trails.