Summer Safety Tips

KEEP SUMMER SAFETY IN MIND

The London Police Service reminds residents to keep safety in mind this summer season.

While the summer months are a great time to get outdoors, splash in the pool or go on a trip, safety should still be a top priority. There are proactive steps you can take to keep yourself, your belongings, and your family safe and happy.

If you are travelling away from home for vacation:

• Assign a trusted family member or friend to periodically check on your home and collect any mail or flyers for you while you are gone.
• If feasible, install motion activated lights over dark areas in your yard.
• Lock all doors and windows.
• Unplug your garage door opener and lock your garage door.
• Keep records of make/model and serial numbers of your electronics and other valuables (i.e.: musical instruments).
• Wait until you arrive back home before posting about your trip on social media.
• If you have an alarm system, you should make sure it's working and use it.

Practice motor vehicle safety:

• Help protect your valuables by bringing them inside with you and locking your vehicle at all times.
• Always adjust your driving to the weather conditions (fog, rain, etc.) and in accordance with the traffic laws.
• Drive distraction-free and share the road with cyclists. Keep 1-metre away from cyclists and never block bike lanes.
• Never leave children or pets unattended in your vehicle, even if the windows are rolled down. It only takes a minute to heat up and doing so could have tragic consequences.

If you find a child unattended in a vehicle, please call 9-1-1 and provide them with the location of the vehicle, description and license plate number. Stay with the child until help arrives and request assistance from others to attempt to locate the vehicle owner.

Take extra care outdoors:

• Ensure there are proper safeguards in place to keep children safe around the pool.
• If children are in or around the pool, always have a designated adult present and keep children at arm’s length.
• Limit inflatables to increase visibility in the pool.
• When biking or on a scooter this summer, remember to wear a properly fitted helmet to reduce the chance of injury.
• When biking or taking part in activities outdoors, plan ahead, wear sunscreen and prepare for the weather conditions. Also, take a charged cellphone with you.

Tips for Parents:

• Ensure children have a phone list to contact trusted adults and teach them to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
• Ask your child to check in with a parent before leaving the house and teach them to never talk to those they do not know.
• Establish rules for using the Internet. Children should have adult supervision when online. Make sure your child knows to never give out personal information on the Internet.

Putting these tips into action will help ensure a safer summer for you and your family.

In the case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, call 519-661-5670 or submit a report online.