To ensure that your cottage vacation is the best ever and everyone has a safe enjoyable time,  it's important to take some preventative safety measures.  Here is a list of some suggested safety measures. Please use this as a starting guide. Each cottage, cottage region and each family will have distinctive requirements, so make sure to just use these safety tips as a starting point. 

 To get you started, here's some essential safety gear:

 • Standard first-aid kit, including a manual, alcohol wipes, disinfectant, band aids, wound coverings, bandages, scissors, adhesive tape, any medications or extra epipens and fast-working antihistamines);
• 10 candles, windproof matches, and a wind-proof candle holder;
• Flashlight (preferably a rechargeable one);
• Batteries;
• Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors (tested regularly)
• Fire Extinguisher;
• Pot or kettle suitable for boiling water over an open flame;
• Hatchet or small axe;
• Enough bottled water to last 72 hrs, per person;
• Instant food and beverages (soups, hot cocoa, tea, protein bars);
• Can opener;
• Snack items in secure containers (cereals, pretzels, crackers);
• Extra pet food in secure containers;
• Don't forget the hats, sunglasses and sunscreen!

 Essential boating gear:

• Life jackets -- one per person;
• Sunscreen;
• An Oar;
• Blanket;
• A bucket or bowl for bailing out water;
• First-aid kit;
• Flashlight (for night boaters);
• Waterproof matches.

In the Winter, add the following to the list:

• Shovel;
• Waterproof, insulated boots;
• Spare clothing, hats, mittens, and thick blankets and/or sleeping bags;
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries;
• Sand or cat litter (non-clumping) -- for traction;
• Booster Cables.

Some extra precautions:

• Children must always be supervised outside the cottage - particularly around WATER!
• Keep children and pets away from barbecue areas;
• Everyone should avoid swimming alone;
• Know your cottage's full address and emergency numbers;
• Know the location of the nearest hospital;
• Don't leave candles or campfire unattended;
• If your municipality allows campfires, build the fire with care - on exposed rock or bare soil, and keep a bucket of water or sand close by.

Following these safety guidelines will ensure your cottage holiday is the most memorable ever for the right reasons!