Fall back safely! 6 daylight savings safety tips
Sunday, November 7 marks the end of daylight savings time in most parts of Canada.
This means colder temperatures, less sunlight and snow are on the way.
While you may not be ready to see the sun set at 4 pm for the next few weeks, you can get prepared for winter.
1. Get a good flashlight
An end to daylight savings time means we're entering the dark season.
A good light source is invaluable when living, working and playing in Canada.
You can buy a cheap flashlight at most hardware stores. But they are usually bulky, have poor battery life and don't provide much light.
The Streamlight Dualie Laser Flashlight is a great option for quality.
- The first intrinsically safe flashlight featuring a red laser pointer
- Includes 150 lumens light and red laser to pinpoint objects at a distance
- Features three modes:
- Spot: 150 lumens, 175m beam, runs 17 hours, 7,700 candela
- Laser: < 5mW output power; Class 3R laser; runs 70 hours
- LED/Laser combo: Runs 12 hours
- Integrated clip grabs onto shirts, pockets and other gear for hands-free use
- Also available in a 245 lumen model and black model
2. Prepare a winter emergency kit
Daylight savings time is also a great time to create or restock your winter preparedness kit for your home, workplace or car.
We recommend the following:
- flashlights
- batteries
- warm clothes, winter gloves and winter hat
- blankets
- water
- hand warming packs
- prescription medication/pain relief drugs like ibuprofen/acetaminophen
- non-perishable snacks
- a shovel
- first aid kit
- reflective hazard triangle
- jumper cables, and
- sand/kitty litter for traction.
3. Replace batteries
We recommend you take this time to change all the batteries in your home.
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are the most important.
But you might as well check thermostats, outdoor lights, flashlights and other battery-operated devices while you're at it.
Find your local battery recycling centre.
4. Change all season for winter tires
While many parts of Canada have already experienced the first snowfall by daylight savings time, the date is a good reminder to swap your all-seasons for snow tires.
Snow tires improve traction and shorten braking distances. This makes winter driving safer for everyone.
You may also save money on your auto insurance by having snow tires installed between December and March depending on your province/territory and insurance provider.
5. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Now that it's getting colder out, you're more likely to use a fireplace, gas-fired furnace or space heater. With this comes an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
You should replace your smoke detector if it is over 10 years old and replace your carbon monoxide detector if it's older than 5 years.
Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector best practices:
- Have a smoke alarm on every level of your house.
- Have one installed between each bedroom avoiding dead air space.
- Interconnect the alarms so they all sound if one detects smoke.
- Test all smoke alarms monthly.
- If there is a fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan can mean the difference between life and death.
6. Check outside for hazardous material or situations
Last not but not least, check outside for hazardous materials or situations.
One possible overlooked safety check is the outside of your home and storage areas.
Now that it's going to be dark out early, you want to make sure there are no situations that could lead to falling. It could be from tripping over an unfinished summer project or toys that were left out.
You should also check for hazardous materials that are outdated, unused or in poor condition.
Share your tips!
Was there something we missed? Let us know in the comments below!
With winter just around the bend, now is a good time to brush up on your winter preparedness training. Get started with our online training courses.