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Articles on Home Improvement |
content by barbara's way
published: June 9, 2010
I was reminded not too long ago about the importance of summer safety when a
friend’s daughter slipped and fell on their wet patio. Luckily, the plucky
11 year old knew how to swim, because she fell into the family’s
just-opened and cleaned pool. She was fine, except for wet clothes, and a
bruised arm and ego. But what if she didn’t know how to swim? I don’t
even want to think about it! Well, it’s now time for a primer and a
reminder on 10 Summer Safety “Must Do’s”.
Update the first aid kit.
Keep a simple first aid kit in the kitchen, bathroom, car and outdoor storage
bench or garden shed. Make sure everyone in the family knows where the kits are
kept. If you already have kits, now is the time to make sure that aspirin and
any other meds and ointments are up to date and not past expiration. Replace
those that are. Make sure bandages are fresh and well stocked as well.
No running!
Create and stick to “running rules” for your kids, and their friends.
Normally, that means no running around pools, ponds, and fountains; wet
surfaces; cobblestones and other rough terrain. Running on grass, fields and
lawns, are fine. Let’s face it falling down and scraping knees are part of
childhood – so be sensible but smart. Want to make the list official? Go
to zazzle.com to create a custom poster listing your rules.
Schedule a family refresher course in CPR.
At least one person in the family should be CPR certified, and it would be
ideal if everyone in your house were familiar with the procedure. Sign up for
courses at your local high school or a Red Cross chapter.
Clear gutters and downspouts.
Water damage to your home – which can lead to mold and rot – often
will occur because of clogged gutters and downspouts. Dry spring weather is the
perfect time to clean out last fall’s dead leaves, twigs, dirt and debris.
Guttersense.com makes a gutter-cleaning tool that eliminates the need to get on
a ladder.
Bug patrol.
This is the time of year when ants, including detractive carpenter ants,
spiders, and other creepy crawlers, start moving around and in – to your
house. Eartheasy.com sells a variety of natural insect control products, safe
for kids and pets – but bad for bugs!
Check outdoor electrical plugs.
Make sure exterior outlets are in working condition. Sometimes a harsh winter
can wreak havoc on them. If they don’t work call a licensed electrician
for help. If they are – check out outdoor lighting options such as lamps,
torches, and spots.
Check gas grills before firing them up.
Test for leaks, cracks and other damage. Make sure tanks are full and the grill
itself is clean.
Know your poison plants.
From poison ivy to poison sumac, many wild plants can cause rashes, itching,
and other unpleasant reactions. First, identify plants you may suspect of being
poisonous. WebMd.com has a guide to poison vegetation at
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/poison-ivy-oak-sumac along with tips on
what to do if you or a family member is exposed.
Replace pets’ flea and tick collars.
If your furry friends spend any time outside, make sure they have new, fresh
and effective flea and tick collars.
Stock up on sunscreen.
The tubes from last summer may have lost their effectiveness – even if
they have not reached their expiration date the fact that they have been open
and exposed to the air can impact efficacy. Start the season with a new bottle
or two. Remember to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside,
and always after swimming. Kids and babies need extra protection, so look for
brands especially made for their delicate skin and at least 30 SPF. Blue Lizard
baby sunscreen is my favorite for kids – and is recommended by
dermatologists. |
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