In the spring, people often like to clean their homes. It’s a great thing to do! But it’s important to stay safe while you’re doing it, especially from falls and poisoning – two of the top causes of home injuries.
* When cleaning out closets or re-organizing things, always keep stairs, steps, landings and all floors clear.
* Carry loads you can see over, and keep one hand free to hold banisters and railings.
* Five gallon buckets are often used while cleaning and present a serious drowning danger to young children. Never leave a bucket or any standing water unattended and store buckets empty and upside-down.
* Follow safety recommendations when using harsh products, such as wearing gloves and masks. Do not mix products together because their contents could react with dangerous results.
* Never use gasoline to clean something and never use or store gasoline in your home, even in tiny quantities. Gasoline vapors can explode with just a spark. If you must keep some, use a special safety container. Store it in an outside shed.
* When you clean out your cabinets, look at the labels on the products. If you see the words “Caution,” “Warning,” “Danger,” “Poison,” or “Keep Out of Reach of Children,” be very careful. These products should be locked up when you are not using them.
* Remember to put things away so people cannot trip on them. Safely tuck away telephone and electrical cords out of walkways. In homes with children, make sure toys and other items are always safely put away when not in use.
* If you need to climb to clean something, use a stepladder or ladder. When using a ladder, stand at or below the highest safe standing level. For a stepladder, the safe standing level is the second rung from the top, and for an extension ladder, it’s the fourth rung from the top. Before using, make sure the rungs are dry.
