I was reminded not too long ago about the importance of summer safety when a friend’s daughter slipped on a wet patio and fell into the swimming pool. Luckily, the plucky 11-year-old knew how to swim! Such accidents can’t always be prevented, but you can do your best to make your house (and back yard), the safest it can be this season.
Be a pool shark. Check to make sure diving boards, pool slides and stairs are secure and in good repair. Place pool chemicals in a secure area where pets and children can’t access them. And trip hazards — toys, hoses and sporting equipment — should always be stored when not in use.
Grill work. Before firing up a gas grill, check for leaks, cracks and other damage. First, make sure that the grill is in the off position. Turn the tank valve counterclockwise to close. Apply a test solution (a mix of water and detergent is best) to the valve handle, the entire hose and all fittings and connectors. If you see bubbles, that means there’s a leak. Tighten all items until the leak disappears. Don’t use the grill if a leak is still present.
Weed whacker. Poison ivy and poison sumac can cause rashes, itching and other unpleasant reactions. Eradicate the plants from your yard with a product like Roundup. Wild plants can be persistent, so you’ll have to treat them at least twice during the season, and then annually for several years. If there’s a large patch of poisonous plants, call in the pros — there are gardeners who specialize in poison plant removal.
A current affair. Check all exterior outlets to see if they are in working condition; sometimes a harsh winter can wreak havoc. If there’s damage, call a licensed electrician; using a damaged outlet can potentially cause a dangerous shock.
All hands on deck. Stubbing a toe on a raised nail can cause a quick end to the day’s fun; examine your deck carefully to make sure it’s in top condition. Use a nail set and hammer to tack down any nails that may have popped up over the winter. And, if you weren’t able to treat your deck last fall, choose a dry day to coat it with deck toner, like Ace Hardware’s Latex Waterproofing Deck and Siding Toner, $60/gallon.
Kick out the jams. Water damage to your home often occurs because of clogged gutters and downspouts, which can lead to mold and rot — both health hazards, especially for those suffering from asthma and allergies. Clean out last fall’s dead leaves, twigs, dirt and debris with the gutter-cleaning tool from Guttersense.com, $19.95; no need for a ladder!
Bugging out. This is the time of year when carpenter ants, spiders and other creepy crawlers start moving around and into your house. Most don’t pose a serious health issue, but some spider bites can be venomous. Stop bugs in their tracks — and avoid using chemical pesticides — with natural insect control products like those found at Eartheasy.com. Also repair or replace torn window and door screens, which can help keep the insects out of your house in the first place!
Be safe Barbara’s Way!
For more tips, videos and how-to’s, visit barbarasway.com.