Tips to remain safe around the house this summer
With Memorial Day just around the corner, you’re probably already putting together that annual start-of-summer cookout and planning activities for the warm days ahead. Well, don’t forget to put safety on your to-do list, as summertime presents a whole new range of dangers for you and your family.
This weekend’s cookout will be fun, but keep an eye out for potential dangers. Put charcoal, lighter fluid and matches out of the reach of curious children. Pick up small items like toys and food scraps during the party, before toddlers or pets find them. To discourage unwanted guests like ants or wasps, cover food and drink containers until it’s time to serve. And if you have a pool, assign a responsible adult to watch it at all times while the party is going on. Latching the pool gate isn’t enough — a curious child can fall in and be in serious trouble before anyone notices, even with a crowd of adults nearby.
Once the kids are home from school and summer is in full swing, there are other dangers to look out for. Hours spent outside can result in a nasty sunburn, so make sure everyone wears sunscreen and, if possible, a hat. To avoid dehydration from working or playing in the heat, keep a bottle of cold water nearby during outdoor activities, and avoid drinking alcohol, particularly during the hottest part of the day, between noon and 3 p.m.
Hot weather also means more outdoor do-it-yourself activities, like house painting, roof repair, lawn care and assorted maintenance. Always take safety precautions before starting any outdoor jobs. When painting, make sure you have a sturdy ladder and a helper to prevent falls. If you’re on the roof, secure yourself with a strong rope and take your time moving from place to place.
Lawn care in the heat puts you at increased risk for dehydration, so again, keep water nearby and let the beer cool in the fridge until you’re done for the day. Try to do most of the work in the morning, when temperatures are lower. And put away all gardening tools at the end of the job; letting them sit in the grass will encourage rust, and small tools lying on the lawn could present an injury risk to anyone strolling by.
Finally, keep a well-stocked first-aid kit in your garage, one that includes an assortment of bandages, disinfectant, bee-sting treatment and after-sun cream. You’ll be ready for summer’s little emergencies, and with proper care and attention, you’ll avoid the biggest dangers.