Safety Tips

Keep cool and hydrated and minimize your time in the sun. Drink plenty of water, find shade, visit cool buildings, slow down, bathe in cool water and wear light-coloured clothing.

Never leave children or pets inside a locked vehicle.When the outside air temperature is 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit), the inside of a vehicle can be more than 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). 

It's important to remember to exercise caution whenever you're near or on the water.

While on the water, ensure you have a proper fitting personal flotation device for everyone in your boat. In the spring, avoid fast-moving water as banks around rivers and lakes could erode, causing unsteady footing.

Never leave a child unattended, or out of arm's reach, in water.  Pick the best time of the day to swim and avoid swimming at night and in stormy weather.

Always wear a helmet when cycling, inline skating and skateboarding. Helmets should be sized properly to ensure adequate safety in case of emergency or accident. Wearing a helmet can save your life.

If strong winds, hail or a tornado is developing while you're camping in a tent or tent-trailer, move to the closest building or hard-topped vehicle. If no shelter is available, seek refuge deep in a thick stand of trees in the lowest lying area.

Avoid being outside at dawn or dusk, when mosquitos are most active. Keep in mind that ticks are often found along trail edges, mostly in wooded areas or tall grass. Light-coloured clothing is less attractive to mosquitos and allows you to see ticks more easily. Registered insect repellents containing DEET can be used safely when applied as directed.

Never leave a child unattended, or out of arm's reach, in water.  Pick the best time of the day to swim and avoid swimming at night and in stormy weather.

Every year in Canada, about 10,000 children (from infants to 12-year olds) are hurt or killed on the roads. Make sure your children are always buckled-up properly and in an appropriate car or booster seat while in the car, even for short trips. Children in Ontario are required to be in a booster seat until they are 80 lbs, are 8 years old or 4 feet, 9 inches tall. It's best to provide car or booster seats until the seat belt fits them properly. These regulations may vary from province to province.

Remember, the back seat is always the safest place for your children.

In all seasons, it's a good idea to have an emergency kit. Items could include a flashlight, a wind-up radio, food, water, a blanket and a manual can opener. Keep your kit organized, easy to find and easy to carry. You can refer to this checklist when building your kit.

Before hitting the slopes or going for a hike, complete a trip plan and leave it with friends or family.

Train for the adventure and stay within your limits.

Have all the necessary equipment for whatever activity you're planning. For example, if you're visiting avalanche terrain, pack a probe, beacon and shovel.

Wear a helmet when skiing, skating, snowboarding or snowmobiling. Dress in layers to avoid hypothermia and keep your head, ears and hands covered to prevent frostbite.

Winter is a busy season for fires. Ensure you have working smoke alarms; do not leave candles burning unattended and quickly put lids on pots if they catch fire while cooking.

When severe winter weather threatens, Environment Canada issues special alerts to notify Canadians in affected areas so that they can take steps to protect themselves and their property.

In all seasons, it's a good idea to have an emergency kit. Items could include a flashlight, a wind-up radio, food, water, a blanket and a manual can opener. Keep your kit organized, easy to find and easy to carry. You can refer to this checklist when building your kit.