Spring Cleaning Safety Tips

cleaning

Chores like reorganizing closets and tackling a thorough spring cleaning can put you and your family at even greater risk for falls and poisoning – the two leading causes of home injury in America.

The Home Safety Council urges you to keep safe practices in mind while cleaning up and cleaning out your home, garage and yard.

  • Always keep stairs, steps, landings and all floors clear when cleaning out closets or reorganizing.
  • Keep armloads short enough that you can see over them, and keep one hand free to hold banisters and railings.
  • Five-gallon buckets, often used in cleaning, present a serious drowning danger to young children. Never leave a bucket or any standing water unattended, and store buckets empty and upside-down.
  • Wear gloves and masks as indicated by safety recommendations when using harsh products. Do not mix products together because their contents could react with dangerous results.
  • Never use gasoline as a cleaning solvent, and never use or store gasoline in your home — even in tiny quantities — because its vapors can readily ignite.
  • Separate dangerous products and medications and lock them up, out of reach of young children, when cleaning out cabinets.
  • Reduce clutter, and safely tuck 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.
  • Use a stepladder or ladder, when you need to climb. When using a ladder, stand at or below the highest safe-standing level. For a stepladder, this is the second rung from the top, and for an extension ladder, it's the fourth rung from the top.

Copyright ©2008 Trustmark Affinity Markets Marketing and Administration, Inc. Information in this newsletter may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission from Starmark. The articles contained within this newsletter are not a promise of coverage and are not meant to replace professional medical advice or service. Personal health issues should be discussed with your physician. Refer to your Certificate of Insurance or Policy for benefit information.