Getting darker earlier

Now that autumn has now arrived the days are getting noticeably shorter and the nights longer, this means that it is time to start preparing for the colder and darker days ahead. If you’re a person who enjoys being outdoors this time of year doesn’t mean having to spend the entire time shut up inside as there are some simple ways to make being outdoors during autumn and winter comfortable and safe.

Being active outdoors

If you’re an active person who regularly cycles to and from work the shorter days means that you will spend a lot of your time cycling in the dark. Keeping safe by being seen is essential for cyclists during autumn and winter and the easiest way to do this is to add proper cycle lights to your bike and wear a hi-vis vest over your clothes to ensure that you can be clearly seen by drivers while on the road.

Runners hitting the pavement during the early hours of the morning or late in the evening also need to ensure that they can be easily seen when out exercising and again throwing a hi-vis vest over your running clothes is an easy and affordable way of ensuring you are clearly visible while running. Dog walkers sometimes overlook the need to be visible during autumn and winter but if you regularly walk your dog, especially if you live in a rural area without much street lighting, you will also benefit from wearing a hi-vis vest for your pet and even a torch.

Keeping your house secure

The longer and darker nights can make homes more of a tempting target for intruders, so it is vital to keep your home safe at this time of year. Security lights can help deter intruders, plus they are a great way of providing extra lighting when you get home after dark. Another easy way of protecting your home is to add timers to your lamps that turn your lights on even when you are out of the house to make it look as though someone is home. For extra security, you can also consider installing an alarm inside your home.

Garden heating and lights

Sometimes the weather in autumn is still mild enough to enjoy sitting outside in your garden. Adding outdoor heaters and lights to your garden will make your garden an enjoyable place to spend time even as the autumn leaves begin to fall and provide the perfect excuse to relax and watch as nature prepares itself for the coming colder and shorter days.

Browsing through the QD website or visiting one of the QD stores and you will find a wide range of products that will make you safer and more comfortable during the darker months.