Summer Cleaning Safety Tips
The summer is a great time to do some cleaning around the house and your entire property. Why? For starters, you have nicer weather to deal with and not blistering cold temperatures, snow, and ice. Even though it might be hot and humid, it's easier to get into a cleaning routine in the spring and summer because you can do more, especially when it comes to cleaning out the garage, the shed, or the landscape beds around the house. Here are some important summer cleaning safety tips.
Go Slow and Dress for the Weather
When you begin your cleaning project you need to go slow and dress for the weather. Since it's summer you should wear shorts and a t-shirt with socks and shoes. If you are outside, make sure you have a hat on, sunglasses on, and apply sunscreen every couple of hours to avoid getting sunburn.
In terms of going slow, you shouldn't try to be a superhero and get the entire project done in a couple of hours. Work intermittently, especially if it is hot, so that you do not dehydrate or pull any muscles in your back or legs. If you are going to be doing a lot of lifting make sure it's with your legs and that you stretch prior to starting your project.
Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Fire Extinguishers
An important item to have on your summer checklist involves the overall safety of your family and property. You need to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Be sure to replace them if they haven't been replaced in the last six months. You should also test them to ensure they work properly.
If you have fire extinguishers in your home make sure they have not hit their expiration date. If they have, it's time to safely dispose of them and purchase new ones. There should be a fire extinguisher under your kitchen sink and in the room where the furnace is located.
Clean the Medicine Cabinet
The summer is a great time to go through all of the medication in the house and clean out the cabinets. If you have expired over-the-counter medication, unused prescription medication, or any other medicine that isn't being used you need to dispose of it. This should be done by taking the medication to your local police station. Do not flush pills or throw them in the trash.
Never Clean with Gasoline
You should never clean with gasoline. Many people like to clean their wheels and other parts of their cars or lawnmowers using gasoline. This probably sounds nuts, which it is. The smallest spark can ignite the gasoline and cause a horrific tragedy. Gas can be ignited as far as 12 feet away from where it is pooling.
Please enjoy a safe and healthy summer by following these cleaning safety tips from the Hunter's Heroes Foundation. If you'd like more information about what we do, please contact us through the website using this link.
