ST. PAUL – Summer is here - and so is the camping season - and outdoor enthusiast are out and about the countryside exploring nature. For those planning to utilize all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) as a means of transportation and exploration, it is crucial to prioritize safety and adhere to responsible practices.
Director of Protective Services and St. Paul Fire Chief Trevor Kotowich provided tips to ensuring an enjoyable and incident-free experience.
ATV Safety Tips
Fire Services, EMS, and RCMP in the County of St. Paul respond to emergencies that involves ATVs.
Kotowich reminds the public to clean their ATV’s exhaust during dry conditions. “We have experienced fires that have been ignited by improperly maintained ATV exhaust.”
When out riding, he also emphasized always wearing a helmet and other protective gear. People must also avoid riding on public roads where other vehicles are present.
“Follow the rules of the road, especially when riding on the Iron Horse Trail,” and respect private landowners and their property, he said.
Additionally, ATVs come in various sizes and types, so it is essential to ride within “your means and ability.”
Camping Tips
When it comes to camping, “safety should always be your number one priority,” said Kotowich. “Certainly, we always encourage people to have fun, but a camping mishap can quickly turn into a nightmare."
Some important safety tips to remember include keeping campfires small and attended. Most campgrounds and parks have fire pits already in place.
Kotowich also said most RVs come equipped with a fire extinguisher and he reminds the RV campers to always ensure their fire extinguisher is in place and properly maintained.
He also spoke on the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO).
“Carbon monoxide is colourless and odorless. Never use gas stoves, lanterns, heaters, in an enclosed shelter. This can lead to the build-up of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Most RVs have CO detectors. Ensure yours is functioning properly.”
Kotowich also reminds campers to keep an eye on the weather, because it can change in an instant. “We all saw what happened down south last weekend in Didsbury. Always keep an eye on the sky and tuned into forecasts.”
On July 1, a tornado touched down near Didsbury, in the area of Highway 2 and 581 and caused significant property damage.
