5 things to love about fall

There’s a lot to love about fall! Here, we’ve picked a few of our favorites – and included tips on things you can do to keep the season fun and safe.

1. Back to school

Well, parents love it, at least! And once the school year starts, drivers need to be extra cautious as kids walk near roadways and wait for their buses.

• If the yellow or red lights on the bus are flashing and the stop arm is extended, you must stop your vehicle.
• Never pass a school bus from behind – or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it’s stopped to pick up or drop off kids.
• The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children. When coming to a complete stop behind a bus, leave enough space in front of your vehicle for children to safely get on or exit the bus.
• Be alert – kids can be unpredictable, and they sometimes ignore hazards and take risks.

2. Falling leaves

Autumn leaves are beautiful – but removing them can be a lot of work. The American Chiropractic Association says homeowners should take care to prevent back injuries, neck strain and shoulder pain while cleaning up the yard.

When raking, use what the ACA calls a “scissors” stance: Keep your right foot forward and left foot back for a few minutes, then switch the positioning of your feet. When bending over, always bend at the knees – not the waist.

Is burning leaf piles part of your plan? The Environmental Protection Agency doesn’t recommend it. “The open burning of leaves produces particulate matter and hydrocarbons, which contain a number of toxic, irritant and carcinogenic (cancer-causing) compounds,” the agency says. Plus, leaf burning is illegal in many places. Check your local ordinances.

3. Tailgating

Football is back! Ready to cook up a winning tailgate? Following food safety practices is a must.
Keep the heat. Wrap hot casserole dishes in foil and transport them in insulated containers. If you’re bringing hot takeout food, eat it within two hours of purchase.
Not too hot or cold. Remember two magic numbers when tailgating: 40 and 140. Potato salad, coleslaw and other cold foods should be kept at 40° F or less, while soups, grilled meats and other hot foods must be kept no cooler than 140° F.
Get cooking. Before you put your meat on the grill, check the Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website 
(fsis.usda.gov). Color isn’t a reliable way to tell if meat is fully cooked, so play it safe by using a meat thermometer.
Don’t let food sit out too long. Perishable foods shouldn’t sit out for more than two hours. When in doubt, throw it out.

4. Cooler weather

It’s sweatshirt season! When outdoor temperatures turn colder but you’re not ready to turn on your home’s heating system just yet, heating pads, electric blankets and space heaters are good alternatives – if you use them cautiously.

The Electrical Safety Foundation says heating pads and electric blankets are the cause of about 500 fires each year.

Here’s how to avoid one:

• Don’t use a heating pad and an electric blanket at the same time.
• Never use an electric blanket or pad that has a cracked, frayed or charred cord.
• Don’t put anything on top of a heating pad or an electric blanket, including other blankets – the devices may overheat.

Space heaters are portable and handy, but they also can cause fires. Use them safely:

• Place them on a flat, solid surface.
• Keep them at least 3 feet away from furniture, curtains or anything else that can burn.
• Check them for cracked or damaged plugs and cords.
• Don’t leave them on while you’re sleeping.
• Plug heaters directly into walls, not extension cords or power strips.

5. Campfires and fire pits

Fall weather and campfires just seem to go together. But with the fun comes responsibility.

The National Fire Protection Association says fire pits and campfires should be at least 25 feet away from all structures and flammable objects.

What should you have on hand to stay safe? A trusty shovel and a hose that’s ready to spray, or a bucket of water, are the preferred tools to quickly put out a fire. If water isn’t available, have a small pile of sand or dirt next to your fire to extinguish it as needed.

When it’s time to put out your fire, start with the bucket of water or hose – or shovels of sand and dirt – you already placed next to the pit. Then, use your shovel to separate the remaining wood and smoldering embers.

Next, stir the fire remnants around to make sure all embers are extinguished. Then, apply more water, dirt or sand. A fire shouldn’t be allowed to burn out on its own – smoldering embers can reignite or spread and cause a larger fire.