In summer, keep your dog healthy and happy by walking in the early morning or evening.
19 November 2024
In brief:
- There are a lot of things to think about during the summer holiday period.
- It’s important to do what you can to keep yourself, your family and your things safe.
- This article overviews some actions you can take.
From festive parties to trips away, there are so many things to do and enjoy at this time of year.
Taking a moment to read the following tips will help ensure you can celebrate free of unexpected problems.
Travel safely
If you’re hitting the road this summer, remember to take plenty of breaks and drive to the conditions.
It’s also a good idea to pack supplies just in case the car you’re travelling in breaks down.
Never leave a child or pet in the car, even with the windows down or for short periods. Car interiors can heat to over 60 degrees in just five minutes.
Protect your home while you’re away
House break-ins often increase over holiday periods, because offenders know an empty house can be an easy target.
Try to leave your house looking lived-in with the help of a neighbour or house-sitter.
Keeping windows and doors locked, your mail collected, and your lawn mown while you are away can help.
Find more tips in ACT Policing’s property crime prevention page.
Take note of public transport changes
Staying in the ACT? It’s worth noting changes to bus and light rail timetables during the summer school holidays – from Monday 23 December 2024 to Sunday 2 February 2025.
School services and ‘s’ trip diversions will not be in place during the six-week holiday period.
Bus and light rail services will be free on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve (from 5pm). There will be a special bus timetable in place. You don’t even need a MyWay+ card – but if you have one, please tap on and off.
If you choose to leave the car at home on New Year’s Eve, you can take advantage of an extended Tuesday timetable with additional bus and light rail services.
And remember, public transport is free on Fridays.
Make your trip even easier by using the MyWay+ app or TC Journey Planner.
Stay up to date with public transport service alerts
Keep your pets safe and well
As the temperature rises, pets rely on their owners to keep them happy, healthy and safe.
There are some easy ways to do this.
- Avoid walks in heat of the day. Early morning and evening walks are best, and this will also protect their paws from burning.
- Make sure they have access to fresh drinking water and shade around your house and backyard all day.
- Help your pets stay cool with an icy pet treat. There are lots of online recipes to make your own pet-safe summer treats.
- Visit one of the dog swimming spots or fill a kids’ splash pool with water to help your pooch cool down.
- Arrange for someone to care for your pets if you go on holidays.
- Make sure your pet is microchipped and registered so if they escape – such as during a storm – they can easily be returned.
- And remember, never leave your dog in an unattended parked car. Even if you leave the windows down, your dog is still at risk of suffering heat exhaustion within minutes.
Find a dog swimming spot or learn more about recreation with your dog.
Christmas present safety
There’s nothing like nailing that perfect gift, but some presents – particularly those for kids – need a bit of extra care and supervision.
- Portable pools: remember, children can drown in portable pools. Always watch them carefully.
- Button batteries can be deadly if swallowed. Always check the battery compartment is secure on items before buying.
- Choose age-appropriate toys to help prevent injury and choking.
- Trampolines: check and maintain your trampoline. Always watch young children as they bounce.
- Pool toys and floatation aids are for fun, not safety. Stay close and supervise children.
- eRideables: children should only ride age-appropriate devices. They should wear a helmet and have only one person per device.
- Always monitor and unplug lithium-ion products once items are charged. This helps avoid fires and injuries.
Take care of your gas bottles
If you’re planning some barbecues this summer, chances are you have a gas bottle around the house.
You can minimise risk by following these simple safety tips.
- Always ensure adequate ventilation and never use indoors or in confined spaces.
- Always read the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
- Do not connect or disconnect cylinders near a naked flame.
- Do not use LPG in windy conditions.
- Always keep cylinders cool and away from flames, sparks and heat.
- Only use approved or certified hoses and connections designed for gas. Never use home-made ones.
Read more about gas bottle safety
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