Use your head; wear a helmet!

Each year, more than 700,000 people in Canada suffer from bicycle-related injuries that require hospital emergency room treatment and hundreds of children die from bicycle-related injuries.

A helmet is the single most effective way to help reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes. Helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85% and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88%. Approximately 75% of bicycle-related fatalities could have been prevented by wearing a properly fitted helmet.  Here’s some helmet safety tips:

1. Helmets are for everyone.  Adults should also should wear a helmet for every ride. Children learn from watching you, so model proper behavior!
2. Adults and children should wear a helmet for all wheeled-sports activities.
3. When skateboarding or long boarding, your child should wear a skateboarding helmet.
4. When it is time to purchase a new helmet, let your children pick out their own; they will be more likely to wear them for every ride.
5. Helmets should sit comfortably on the head all the way around, sitting level and stable enough to stay in place during violent shakes or hard blows.
6. Rest the helmet level on the head, not tilted.
7. Make sure the straps of the helmet form a “V” under the ears when buckled.
8. Have the strap underneath the chin fit comfortably snug.
9. Secure the helmet to the point that twisting and tugging cannot remove it.
10. Always replace a helmet after a crash. Damages may not be visible, but the foam can lose its integrity

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.

RMES Fire Chief Rob Evans, in conjuntion with town site administration, has issued a Fire Ban for the town site of Redwood Meadows effective immediately, due to the dry conditions.

No open fires, the use of firepits, or solid fuel barbecues (charcoal briquettes) are allowed.

Liquid fuel barbecues (propane and natural gas) are allowed.

Please check this page for a list of prohibited activities and exceptions to the fire ban.

By-Law #98-2:

- Violations: Illegal burning fine $100 / per incident

- Violations: Attendance by fire department for illegal burning  Contract Rates / per incident

This fire ban shall remain in effect until such time as The Townsite deems appropriate as authorized by the Redwood Meadows Fire Department.

Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

This is a timely email after responding to assist our Rocky View County partners at yesterday’s fire near Wildcat Hills.

Your fire department is working with Montane Forest Management from now until summer to produce and wildfire management plan for Townsite of Redwood Meadows, AB for responders to use in the event that a wildfire ever threatens our community.

The consultant will be driving through the townsite over the next few weeks assessing properties. He will not be entering your properties and will be driving a brown GMC 1/2 ton truck License Plate LAL 091.

Thanks everyone!
Rob Evans
Fire Chief

Spring is here!

It’s officially Spring - that means it’s time to tweak our driving habits. Here’s some tips to help you enjoy spring driving safely.

1. Don’t rush to take off your winter tires. They should be left on until daytime temperatures stay above 7 degrees Celsius.
2. We can (and will) still get some snowfall. The warm spring sun can melt ice and snow near the road and this melted water can freeze when the sun stops shining on it and the temperatures drop below zero. If you notice wet-looking roads and the temperatures have dropped below freezing, expect ice and slow down.
3. As the weather warms it will bring out motorcyclists and cyclists. Look out for these two-wheeled travelers enjoying our area and give them space to safely ride, when passing.
4. Warmer weather brings more people, children and pets outside. Slow down and pay careful attention in residential areas and school zones. Kids focused on other things won’t be paying much attention to traffic.
5. There are wide fluctuations in temperatures and freeze-thaw cycles at this time of year, which can cause potholes to form. Stay well back of the vehicle in front so you can give yourself more time to see potholes. Staying farther back from the vehicle in front of you will also reduce your chances of being hit by kicked-up rocks. Keeping your vision high is critical to safe driving.
6. Spring melting can cause localized flooding. If you encounter a flooded road, don’t try to cross the flooded section as the roadway under the water may be washed out. Instead, turn around and look for an  alternate route.
7. Spring wreaks havoc on gravel shoulders. They can be much softer than usual from all the melt water. Coupled with winter erosion, gullies can form on the shoulders. Use extra care if you’re pulling off the road or if you drop a wheel off on to the shoulder. Smoothly steer your vehicle back onto the pavement.
8. During the winter, sand and salt are applied to the local highways to increase traction on snowy roads. Residual sand acts as tiny ball bearings under tires causing a noticeable reduction in grip. When exiting off of a major road onto one less travelled, you may be driving from a road with good grip to one with very little grip as you encounter these sand-covered roads. Look where you want to go, slow down and expect the road to be slippery from sand.
9. Many animals are on the move as they forage for food with their young. Every year, motorists die or are seriously injured hitting animals or trying to swerve to avoid animals (and the animals rarely survive either). Slow down and be aware of your surroundings!
10. Driver distraction is a leading cause of traffic crashes. It is so important to remember to stay focused on the task of driving. If you must take a look at something on your phone, pull over first.

And finally, you can’t avoid it, if you can’t see it. Ensure your windshield washer fluid is topped up and your windshield is kept clean to ensure you can see everything (and everyone) around you.