From yard clean-up tips to road safety reminders, there are several things to keep in mind with the change of seasons.

Yard clean-up

Decrease fire risks

Fall clean-up includes removing fire hazards around your home:

• Contact your utility company if trees or branches are not clear of power lines. 
• Store firewood a minimum of 10 metres from any structure. FireSmart outlines ways individuals can help protect their property from wildfire. 
• Prune branches from the base of your trees to reduce the chances of a fire running up the tree.
• Plant fire-resistant trees (aspen, birch or poplar) instead of highly flammable varieties like spruce and pine.

Learn more about home fire safety

More maintenance and clean-up tips

• Proper pool and hot tub draining - Use your basement drain, not the street’s storm drain.
• Storm drain clean up - Clear the leaves before winter comes.
• Extra yard waste collection - Takes place October 4-8, and November 1-5, 2021. Please follow the guidelines.
• Rodent control – Protect animals and children from poison exposure.

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Highway safety

Defensive driving tips for motorists

• Be alert - Watch for farm vehicles on rural roads and scan the ditch for wildlife.
• Keep your distance - Stay at least 15 metres or five car-lengths back from agricultural equipment. Leave plenty of room when driving around an animal on or near a road.
• Slow down – As soon as you see a slow-moving vehicle or wildlife, slow down immediately. Reduce speed at night, especially near water, wooded areas and open spaces.
• Be patient with ag equipment
• Don't assume a farm vehicle is pulling right to let you pass. Check the left side of the road for gates, driveways or any place a farm vehicle might turn left.
• Don't assume the farmer can move aside to let you pass.
• Don't pass until the road is clear of traffic and you are positive it is safe to pass.

Learn more about rural road safety

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Winter is coming

Winter is (unfortunately) just around the corner. Here are a couple of early reminders before the snow flies.

Sign up for SC Alerts

Avoid a tow! Sign up for SC Alerts to stay in the know when a snow route parking ban is declared in Sherwood Park. Choose from phone calls, text messaging, and email notification.

Learn more about parking bans

Remove your curb ramps before November 1

Following Traffic Bylaw 16-2015 (551.4 KB) , curb ramps are not permitted between November 1 and April 15 to ensure they are not on the roadway when snow removal is required. 

If left out, they slow down the snow clearing process and can damage the equipment. This can be extremely expensive and cause major delays in snow removal services for you and your neighbours.

Learn more about curb ramps

 

Check also the Family and Community Services program guide to learn about upcoming free and low-cost programs and services for seniors, youth, families and individuals, whether or not you have children.