Spring Cleaning

Safe, Sound and Family Friendly

By Jacqueline Rupp

Another common cleaning hazard to young children is buckets full of water. It's hard to believe, but just a couple of inches of water can pose the same drowning danger as a full-sized swimming pool. Appy says buckets are dangerous to infants and toddlers in particular because the containers are made to be very rigid and a child can fall into one and not be able to get out. Therefore, when mopping always remain next to the bucket of water and empty immediately, storing it upside down. Or forego the bucket all together and use one of the newer spray-style mops. Other areas to remain cautious of are toilets and bathtubs, which pose the same drowning threat.

Appy's rule of thumb when caring for young children is what she calls touch supervision. "A parent should be able to reach out and touch their young child from wherever they are working," she says. "Making sure a little one is in reach is the best way to safely supervise."

Safe cleaning doesn't only apply to children. We all know how easy it can be to try to take a not-so-safe short cut in the hopes of getting the job done quicker. However, a significant amount of injuries in the home relate back to housework or home improvement projects. Falls pose the biggest threat, but there are some practical ways to safeguard yourself. For instance, as a rule of thumb, always carry loads that you can see over and keep one hand free for holding on to railings.

"Know about ladder safety," Appy says. "Use the four to one rule. For every four feet up, move the base out one foot. Know the safe standing height, don't hurry, put on the right shoes and don't reach over. Instead, get down and move the ladder. And of course, if you're not comfortable doing a task, get professional assistance." Also watch out for wet floors, keep stairs and pathways clear and don't ever use gasoline as a cleaner.

Since you've learned how to clean safer, why not take the opportunity to make your home safer, too. Here is a quick spring home maintenance and safety checklist to run through.

• Check Outdoor Pool and Hot Tub Fencing: Make sure all fences are in good condition and that self-locking latches are installed on all gates.
• Lawn Mowers: Do a maintenance check following the directions provided by the manufacturer. Also remember never to mow around children and pay extra close attention with a riding mower.
• Extension Cords: Use wire ties to secure cords together so they do not pose a tripping hazard. Check that cords are in good condition and are not overloaded.
• Fans: Make sure all fans have guards that will protect hands and fingers. Fans, however, should always be placed away from small children. Clean fan grates to reduce dust.
• Faucet Aerator: Remove and clean the aerators to make the water run through more efficiently.
• Filters: Clean filters in window air-conditioners and home air purifiers.
• Batteries: Change the batteries in smoke alarms and consider installing a carbon monoxide detector, especially if you have an attached garage.
• Outside: Check the condition of decks and railings to make sure everything is secure and stable. Clean barbecues and check that propane tanks are secure.
• Playground Equipment: Check that everything is secure and that the landing is up to code. Nine to 12 inches of shockproof mulch or rubber chips are recommended for a six-foot diameter around the equipment. Also remove spider webs and repair any minor wear that could hurt a child.
• Check Your Phones: Make sure landlines and cell phones are programmed with emergency numbers, such as 911 and Poison Control, 1-800-222-1222.

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