Spring Cleaning the Safe Way

Chores like re-organizing closets and tackling a thorough spring cleaning can put families at even greater risk for falls and poisoning – the two leading causes of home injury in America. The Home Safety Council urges families to keep safe practices top of mind while cleaning up and cleaning out your home, garage and yard.

	When cleaning out closets or re-organizing, 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 as a cleaning solvent and never use or store gasoline in your home, even in tiny quantities. Because its vapors can readily ignite, it is too dangerous to use gasoline for any purpose other than as a motor fuel.
	When cleaning out cabinets, separate dangerous products and medications and lock them up, out of reach of young children.
	Remember to reduce clutter and 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, 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.