Home and Garden Safety – A Checklist

There are hazards in your home and garden that you might overlook. It’s good to take a fresh look at the home and garden and see what might or might not pose a danger, and how to keep your home and garden safe. Here is a checklist to help you have the safest home and garden possible.

Cleaning Products

Poison control centers receive thousands of calls every year from frightened parents whose children have ingested cleaners. A prime culprit is glass cleaners. Unlike other cleaners, glass cleaners are not required to print warning labels about their toxicity. Just because the label is not there doesn’t mean it doesn’t pose a hazard, though. Make sure all cleaners are kept out of children’s reach.

Decks

Decks are a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors – but only if they are safe.

• Fences and gates – Make sure that access to your deck is restricted by appropriate gates and fencing. The edge of a deck should have a railing or fence that is strong and solid enough to prevent small children from falling off or through.
• Pressure washers – Many people use these powerful machines to clean their decks. But beware – they are very powerful, and you should exercise caution when using them. Gas pressure washers are reported to be the most powerful, but electric washers can still cause damage if used improperly. Make sure you do not aim the pressure washer at windows, siding, pets, or people. You could also injure yourself if you are not careful – pressure washers can take skin off!

Inflatable Pools

Inflatable pools pose a danger to small children – more so than hard plastic wading pools, although the latter can be dangerous, too. The reason is that inflatable pools tend to be larger and therefore hold more water, and their slick, soft, rounded sides make them easier to fall into and harder to climb out of.

Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

It’s a good idea to make sure you have both in your home, and that they are working properly with fresh batteries.

Fire Extinguishers

Make sure that all family members know how to use the fire extinguisher, and that it’s small enough for everyone to handle. Very small children, of course, will not be able to use one and the extinguisher should be out of their reach.

Glass Bakeware

Because it’s glass, such bakeware can break and pose a hazard. To use glass bakeware safely, make sure you do the following.

• Let food cool completely in the dish before putting it in the refrigerator.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before putting it in the sink or dishwasher.
• Do not pour liquid into hot glass bakeware.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes and direct heat.

Yard Equipment

Sharp tools should have their own storage place out of children’s reach. Lawnmowers and riding mowers should be used only when no children under 12 are present.

It’s possible to overlook dangers in your home and garden if you aren’t careful. Mark a few minutes on your schedule to take another look around to see what other steps you might take to help prevent potential accidents.

That’s it for now. Until next time Divas, wear your heels well and Be Blessed!

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