Summer Home Maintenance Reminders
Summertime is here meaning it is playtime outside. But this is also the season for many unintentional injuries in the home. The Home Safety Council dedicates the month of June – Home Safety Month – to educate and empower both families and businesses to take actions that will make homes safe.
Standard summertime maintenance & safety suggestions:· Install grab bars in the tub and shower.
·Install bright lights over stairs and steps and on landings.
·Install handrails on both sides of the stairs and steps.
·Use a ladder for climbing instead of a stool or furniture.
·Use baby gates at the top and bottom of the stairs, if babies or toddlers live in or visit your home.
·Lock poisons, cleaners, medications and all dangerous items in a place where children and pets can’t reach them.
·Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas.
·Build a shed with a lock for storing your lawn equipment, gasoline, pesticides, and pool and/or spa chemicals.
·Install a fence around your pool and/or spa with a locking gate.
·Keep your hot water at or below 120 degrees F to prevent burns.
·Make sure smoke alarms are working or even install fire sprinklers if building a new home.
·Cover the ground under playground equipment with a thick layer (9 – 12 inches) of mulch, wood chips, or other safety material.