HOME SAFETY SHOULD TOP SPRING CLEANING “TO-DO” LIST

The Home Safety Council® Tells How to Reduce the Danger of Spring Cleaning Tasks

WASHINGTON, DC – Spring cleaning in and around the home can be a dangerous chore that brings an increased risk of injury. That’s why the national nonprofit Home Safety Council is issuing a reminder for families to make home safety a priority when conducting their springtime home cleaning ritual. Home Safety Council research shows nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits result from unintentional home injuries on average each year. Simple chores such as cleaning out cabinets and re-organizing closets bring added risks from falls and poisonings – two of the leading causes of home-related injuries.

“Spring cleaning often involves lifting heavy items, climbing ladders and using strong cleaning solutions, activities which can put us at risk of serious injury if we’re not careful,” said Meri-K Appy, Home Safety Council president. “Fortunately, we can prevent these injuries by taking the time to follow a few simple safety precautions.”

Clean your Home Safely

The Home Safety Council urges families to put injury prevention at the top of this year’s spring cleaning to-do list by following these safe practices:

• Always keep stairs, steps, landings and all floors clear of toys and clutter.
• When cleaning walls and ceilings, use the opportunity to replace burned out light bulbs with bright lights over stairs and steps.
• Carry loads you can see over, and keep one hand free to hold banisters and railings.
• Safely tuck telephone and electrical cords out of walkways.
• Keep children away from anyone cleaning windows. Shut upper windows and promptly replace any removed window guards.
• When washing window blinds, check that cords are stored up high, out of a child’s reach.
• If you need to climb, always use a 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 a ladder, make sure the rungs are dry and the ladder is securely positioned on a flat surface.
• Follow product label safety recommendations, like wearing gloves and masks, when using harsh products.
• Do not mix household cleaning products together because their contents could react with dangerous results.
• Carefully read the labels on all products and medications and separate those that say “Caution,” “Warning,” “Danger” or “Poison.” Lock these products up and out of sight and reach of young children.
• Empty buckets after use. Store them turned over or upside down.

For additional home safety information and resources, please visit www.homesafetycouncil.org.

About Home Safety Council

The Home Safety Council (HSC) is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to preventing home related injuries that result in nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits on average each year. Through national programs, partnerships and the support of volunteers, HSC educates people of all ages to be safer in and around their homes. The Home Safety Council is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization located in Washington, DC.