Autumn Check List

[] Give Space Heaters Space: As the weather gets cooler, space heaters come out of their summer hiding places, and as it turns out, they need space too. Remember to leave at least three feet of space around your heater. Unplug it when it's not being used.

[] Test your CO Detector: During cold weather, your furnace will be running and your windows will be closed. Test the carbon monoxide detector near your home's bedrooms.

[] Never Heat With an Oven: On chilly autumn mornings, avoid the temptation to warm the kitchen with a gas range or an open oven door. The unvented products of combustion can quickly build to toxic levels. Take this as an opportunity to indulge in warm socks and robe.

[] Replace Expired Fire Extinguishers: Make sure that the fire extinguisher in your home is still good. If it has expired or discharged, be sure to replace it promptly. You don’t want to be without this in case of an emergency.

[] Test Your Local Smoke Detectors: If it needs a new battery, then replace it. If the detector still does not function, replace the detector. This one shouldn’t wait til later.

[] Wear Gloves While Doing Yard Work: It is the season for cleaning (isn’t every season?). To help avoid blisters and other hand injuries, be sure to wear gloves while doing yard work.

[] Use Your Legs to Lift Heavy Items: Whether you are putting things away for storage or carrying garbage and yard waste to the curb, be sure to use your legs to avoid back injuries.

Photo Credit: http://ihihomeinspections.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Brunette-Woman-Playing-with-Leaves-uid-1963766cropped.jpg

Content Credit: http://www.tiu.edu/tiu/security/autumnsafety

Summer's Over but the Yard Work's Not

Yard work does not end simply because summer is over. There’s plenty more to do as the seasons are changing. Here are some safety tips for tackling autumn tasks around your home.

• When lifting heavy bags of mulch, use a wheelbarrow when possible. Remember to lift with your legs and not with your back.


• Be careful when pruning. Pruning from a ladder is especially dangerous, so avoid injuries by pruning on a secure foundation relatively low to the ground.


• To avoid blisters when doing yard work, wear gloves. Easy fix!


• If you are doing a lot of raking, try an ergonomic rake, which alleviates stress on your lower back by allowing you to rake in an upright position. These can be found at most hardware stores and garden centers.

Photo Credit: http://timmeubanks.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/sam_raking_2-copy.jpg

Content Credit: http://www.ci.dupont.wa.us/files/library/9ed9c444fe7e45c0_o.pdf