One of the most common calls for service Redwood Meadows Emergency Services receives is for traumatic injuries.

Traumatic injury is damage to the body caused by external force. This may be caused by accidents, falls, hits, weapons, and other causes.

One of the most preventable of these, traumatic head injuries are a result of a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury.

General prevention tips

• Buy and use helmets or protective head gear approved for specific sports. In addition to other safety apparel or gear, helmets or head gear should be worn at all times for: Softball, Cycling, Football, Hockey, Horseback riding, Skateboards/Scooters, Skiing and Wrestling.
• Supervise younger children at all times, and don’t let them use sporting equipment or play sports unsuitable for their age.
• Follow rules and warning signs at water parks and swimming pools.
• Wear appropriate clothing for the sport.
• Don’t wear clothing that can interfere with your vision.
• Don’t participate in sports when you’re ill, tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Obey all traffic signals and be aware of drivers when cycling or skateboarding.
• Avoid uneven or unpaved surfaces when cycling, skateboarding, or in-line skating.
• Replace sporting equipment or protective gear that is damaged.

Preventing other head injuries

• Wear a seatbelt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle.
• Never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or ride as a passenger with anybody else who is under the influence.
• Keep firearms unloaded in a locked cabinet or safe, and store ammunition in a separate, secure location.
• Remove hazards in the home that may contribute to falls. Secure rugs and loose electrical cords, put away toys, use safety gates, and install window guards. Install grab bars and handrails if you are frail or elderly.

Until next month, stay safe!

Your firefighters will be out in the community like previous years with some obvious changes to how we hand out treats. We will be wearing gloves and masks and will hand the goodies out ourselves instead of allowing little hands in the bowls.

For those wondering how to handle their own candy conundrum, the Provincial government has provided Albertans with some helpful posters to let trick-or-treaters know if residents are participating in Halloween activities this year (https://www.alberta.ca/halloween-during-covid19.aspx)!

Please feel free to print these pages off and post them in highly visible areas where trick-or-treaters might see them!

Redwood Meadows Emergency Services responded to calls for help 72 times this spring/summer when cyclists, ATVers, motorbikers, cyclists and hikers found themselves in trouble.

Here are some tips to stay safe when you’re enjoying K-Country:

• Pack gear suitable for the conditions: Be sure to pack extra gear, food and a headlamp in case you have to be on the trails for longer than expected.
• Don’t get lost: Bring a trail map, a navigation tool and a communications device.
• Stay where you are: If you get lost, it’s easier for first responders to find you if you stay on the trail.
• Bring more than enough water…and more than enough food: Not drinking enough water is the biggest mistake many backcountry enthusiasts make.
• Be prepared for accidents: Compact first aid kits are readily available. And you have taken that first aid course, haven’t you?
• Go early! It’s easier for first responders to find you in daylight.
• Make a plan and share it: Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be home.
• Know where you are on the trail: If an emergency strikes, knowing you are one third of the way up Moose Mountain or the name of the jump you’re near will help first responders get to you quicker.

Until next month, stay safe….and if you see the big red trucks coming up behind you with the lights and sirens, pull over and STOP, so we can get to a neighbour’s emergency quickly and safely.

As summer turns to fall, it’s a good idea for everyone in your home to refresh their memories on fall fire safety tips before the first cold snap of the season.

Family Fire Safety Tips

• Teach your kids how to respond in the event of a fire.
• Make sure young children know how to dial 911 – including their address. Cell phones don’t give us this information!
• Establish and practice a fire escape plan with your family that includes a designated meeting area outside the home.
• Practice Stop, Drop and Roll.
• Teach everyone in your family multiple ways to escape from every room in the event of a fire. Be sure to practice crawling low under smoke!
• Do not place lit candles where they can be reached by children.
• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Do not leave candles burning when you go to sleep.
• Make sure all flammable substances are properly stored in safe containers and out of reach of children.

Kitchen Fire Safety

• Don’t leave cooking food unattended on the stove.
• Keep everything that might be flammable away from your stove.

Make Sure All Heating Sources Work Properly

No matter what type of device you use to heat your home, making sure your heating devices and/or systems are in good working order.

Verify that everything you need to keep your home warm throughout fall and winter is in good working condition.

Until next month, stay safe!

The Fire Ban for Redwood Meadows has been lifted effective immediately.

Please remember that fire pits of any size require a permit from the town site. Permit application forms can be downloaded here.