Drivers and pedestrians alike have a responsibility to keep both parties safe during their travels. Pedestrians may have the right-of-way, but should not presume that a driver will stop.

Here are 9 tips to stay safe in crosswalks:

1. Stay alert and attentive; focus your full attention on what is happening around you.
2. Never assume it is safe to cross, even if you have the right-of-way or a crosswalk signal is telling you that you may enter the crosswalk.
3. Before entering a crosswalk, stop and look both ways.
4. Do not step into the path of a vehicle that cannot reasonably be expected to stop in time.
5. Always make eye contact with approaching drivers and make sure that they are coming to a stop before entering a crosswalk.
6. Before crossing into the next lane of traffic, always make eye contact with the approaching driver in that lane and make sure that they are coming to a stop.
7. Walk, don’t run, through a crosswalk.
8. Dismount and walk your bicycle through a crosswalk, unless the crosswalk has “elephant’s feet” indicating that cyclists may ride across it.
9. Make yourself more visible to drivers by wearing reflective clothing or gear.

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Did you know that the City of Enderby is located in a wildlife interface area?  In these areas, wildlife is at risk of being habituated to unnatural food sources such as residential garbage and fruit from fruit trees, which often leads to the wildlife losing their fear of humans and becoming dangerous, at which point they must be euthanized.

To help prevent this, the City of Enderby has adopted Wildlife Attractant Bylaw No. 1754, 2022 which requires property owners to properly manage wildlife attractants on their properties.  Pursuant to the City’s Wildlife Attractant Bylaw, here are 10 things you can do to help us to co-exist and prevent conflict with wildlife who inhabit the area:

1. Store your garbage indoors or otherwise in durable, rigid receptacles that are fitted with covers that are inaccessible to wildlife.
2. Do not place your garbage at curbside earlier than 4:00 am on the day of collection.
3. Do not feed or attempt to feed wildlife such as deer or bear.
4. Keep the exterior of your property clear of any food products or food containers, and ensure your compost is kept and maintained in an enclosed and secure rigid container that is inaccessible to wildlife.
5. Ensure that any refrigerators or freezers that are stored outdoors are inaccessible to wildlife.
6. If your pet food is stored outdoors, ensure it is kept in a secure, wildlife-resistant container.
7. Clean barbecue after use – don’t forget the grease trap!
8. Remove any fruit from your fruit trees that has fallen to the ground.
9. Keep birdfeeders suspended in a manner that is inaccessible to wildlife, and keep the ground under birdfeeders clear of seeds.
10. Ensure your domestic animals, backyard hens and backyard bees are reasonably inaccessible to wildlife.

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Snow is a fact of life where we live, so here are some tips to help you spend less time with your shovel and more time with your eggnog.

Remember to clear the sidewalk adjacent to your home within 24 hours of a snow fall event ending, so that the sidewalk is clear and safe for pedestrians.

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• Pick a tree with fresh, green needles and keep it moist by watering daily
• Make sure it is at least three feet away from lights, fireplaces, heat vents or candles
• When lighting the tree, use lights that have been tested and approved by a recognized facility
• Always replace strings of lights that are worn out, have broken cords or loose bulb connections
• Always turn off tree lights before leaving home or going to bed

• Keep anything that could be flammable (oven mitts, food packaging) away from the stovetop
• Always stay in the kitchen while food is cooking and use timers to remind yourself when you are simmering, baking or roasting
• Be alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, do not cook
• Have a "kid-free zone" around the stove and other preparation areas (unless your kids are trained helpers!)

• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about exit routes
• Keep matches and lighters in a high, locked cabinet
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles
• Always be candle smart! Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed
• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires

• Always choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant
• Consider energy efficient LED lighting which produce less heat and therefore reduce fire risk
• Check whether lights are for indoor or outdoor use; many are not for both
• Use clips to hang lights, never staples or nails
• Do not overload outlets, always check amperage of electrical devices
• Always ensure decorations including trees do not block exits

• Be sure to dispose of your tree when it is dry. Dry trees are a fire hazard and should not be stored in or around your house
• Bring outdoor lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and to help them last longer

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