Safe At Home For The Fall
The song says that living is easy in the summertime, but don't let the lazy days of summer fall lead to accidents. Keeping you and your family safe is just a matter of following simple precautions. Here are some tips for ensuring your family's good times and good heath:
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Beware of the cutting edge. Lawnmowers and other power tools can cause serious injuries. When you're mowing your lawn, keep children out of the area, and don't allow children to ride on a mower.
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Before mowing, take the time to move outdoor furniture, toys, sticks or other obstacles out of the way. Especially if you have children or pets, you don't want to turn your back on an idling mower to move objects.
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If your older child will be helping you out this summer by mowing the lawn, make sure he or she understands how to safely operate the equipment. Read all instructions and warning information together.
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Always turn a mower off before attempting to unclog debris from the blade.
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Tend to the fire. Grilling food outside is a wonderful way to escape the heat of the kitchen. Keep children away from grills or open fires. You should always have water on hand in case a fire gets out of control.
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Lighter fluid should be off-limits for children.
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Be safe about food handling. Never return cooked meat to a container that has held raw meat. Keep coolers in the shade and add ice to them as needed. Keeping drinks and food in separate coolers will cut down on the number of times the food cooler is opened.
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Watch out for other living things. Insect bites and bee stings can be reduced by dressing children in shoes and clothing that is light in color. Make sure you know what is growing in your yard. Teach children about poisonous plants and berries so they know what plants not to touch, pick or eat.
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Beat the heat. The dog days can be deadly. When the temperature tops 90 degrees, fans alone will not be able to cool a home. If you don't have air conditioning, get out of the house and head for air-conditioned public places, such as libraries or shopping malls. Taking a bath or shower in tepid water will help you keep your cool. Stay well-hydrated, and make a point to check on elderly friends or neighbors who may be especially susceptible to heat-related illness.
Best wishes for a safe and happy summer!