As more yard debris including sticks and leaves continue to fall onto roofs, there are important reminders for ladder safety. 

Perry Fire Chief Chris Hinds says people need to be careful when they are doing yard work or home improvements, including when they are using a ladder. Hinds explains the importance of always using a ladder instead of other devices.

“Makeshift devices to get up on the roof or anything like that is not a good idea and anything short of using a ladder and using it in the proper way is a(n) invitation to an ambulance ride. We always want people to use a ladder in the proper way.”

Hinds tells Raccoon Valley Radio another thing people should be aware of is avoiding slips, trips and falls. Hinds says these factors are the second leading cause of accident deaths in the United States and occur between September and March every year. Hinds talks about a few reminders as it relates to walkways. 

“I’m not talking just about businesses downtown but I am talking about your residential sidewalks. People at home need to take care of their sidewalks and that doesn’t mean just the sidewalk at home that goes from your house to your garage, but that’s the one out in front of your house that the public walks on. You need to keep that sidewalk clean and clear.”

For more information on these topics and more tune into today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County Program on 99.7FM and 1310AM KDLS.