There is no question that when Old Man Winter calls it a season and people see and feel spring just around the corner, the warmth gets juices flowing for a number of rites of spring. One of those is the annual home spring cleaning. And while the good feeling that comes with that first finished project, according to a Home Safety Council report, unintentional injuries in the home result in nearly 21 million medical visits on average each year.
“The number one safety precaution we can give is to secure the environment,” says Jimmy Maass, safety coordinator at Farm Bureau Insurance. “What we mean is that people should open their windows for fresh air and avoid putting themselves in any risky position while they perform their work. You don’t want to accidentally breathe toxic fumes or slip on a wet surface. ”
The risks for falls and accidental poisonings when “opening up your house”—the two leading causes of home injury in America—increase greatly during this time. Don’t try to do too much too quickly. Plan your effort; take the extra time and balance the workload; make sure you have one hand free to grab a banister or to catch your balance against a wall.
More tips from Maass include:
Use non-toxic products, such as vinegar and water as opposed to a chemical solution. The risks to your heath are greatly diminished, and it’s better for the environment. Never mix household cleaning products.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and change batteries in all safety appliances.
- Try to fall-proof your home by securing rugs, clearing high traffic areas such as staircases, and hiding all loose wires such as phone or electrical cords.
- Have your air conditioning system inspected and maintained. Vacuum accessible air ducts.
- Don’t be afraid to get rid of items you won’t use. Relocated clutter is still clutter, and possibly a hazard. This is especially true for hazardous materials such as old paint cans or solvents.
- While children can be helpful, be very selective about their duties. Never let them clean with any solvents, and be judicious about what you ask them to move.
- If you’re cleaning the garage, pay special attention to flammable and hazardous liquids such as gasoline or paint thinner. Ensure safety caps are working and in place and that they are not stored near a heat source.
- If you use a ladder, stay at a safe standing level. The top two rungs are unsafe; you should be at least three rungs from the top. Always be certain the ladder is secure and locked.
The arrival of warmer weather and fresh air is certainly a welcome feeling. Springtime and the excitement it brings are refreshing; however, it can be a dangerous time as well. With proper preparation, you can avoid the kind of accident that puts a damper on such a wonderful time of year.