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.

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.