Hello Summer!

As our community heads outdoors to enjoy everything summer in our beautiful area offers, we wanted to share some reminders to help keep everyone safe. Summer is a season of adventure, but it’s also a time when preventable emergencies—wildfires, heat-related illness, and water accidents—tend to rise. A little preparation goes a long way.

Staying cool isn’t just about comfort— it’s about protecting your health.

Hydration habits — Drink water regularly, even before you feel thirsty. Dehydration can sneak up quickly in dry Alberta heat.
Sun protection — Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear a hat, and take breaks in the shade.
Heat illness awareness — Watch for dizziness, nausea, or headache. These are early signs of heat exhaustion and should never be ignored.

With our forests drying earlier each year, wildfire risk remains a top concern.

Fire bans — Always check for local restrictions before lighting a campfire.

Safe campfire setup — Keep fires small, supervised, and fully contained within a designated pit.
Proper extinguishing — Drown, stir, and repeat until the ashes are cool to the touch. If it’s too hot to hold, it’s too hot to leave.

Summer means more vehicles, cyclists, and wildlife on the roads.

Defensive driving — Slow down on rural roads and stay alert for deer, elk,and cyclists.
Towing safety — If you’re hauling boats or campers, double-check your hitch, lights, and load distribution.
Emergency kits — Keep water, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, and a phone charger in your vehicle.

Whether you’re paddling on Forget-Me- Not, rafting the Elbow River or enjoying backyard pool time, water safety is non-negotiable.

Life jacket use — Wear one anytime you’re on a boat or near fast-moving water.
Supervision rules — Children should always be within arm’s reach around water. If you’re the “designated adult”, put your phone down and keep your eyes up at all times.
Cold water caution — Even in summer, Alberta rivers remain cold enough to cause shock and impair swimming ability.

Summer gatherings mean grilling and outdoor entertaining.

BBQ maintenance — Check hoses for leaks, keep grills clean and at least one metre from siding or railings.
Fireworks — Leave them to the professionals. Not only can they start wildfires, they can cause significant physical injuries.

RMES is proud to serve Redwood Meadows and the greater Bragg Creek area. We’re even more proud when we see neighbours taking steps to keep themselves and each other safe. Check in on your neighbours – summer isn’t always a happy time for everyone. Knowing someone cares about you can be helpful.

We’ll be out and about at community events and parades throughout the summer, be sure to pop by and say “hi”

Stay safe!