Spring Safety Hazards

Each of the four seasons brings a new set of hazards. The arrival of spring means warmer temperatures and more people venturing outside, which leads to a long list of outdoor hazards. There are safety hazards everywhere and in almost any situation. As spring approaches, familiarize yourself and your family with common hazards to better enjoy the season.

Cleaning

• Store household cleaning products out of reach of children.

  Spring is a popular time to clean and reorganize homes and garages slightly neglected during the winter. Discard medicines, chemicals and cleaning products which are out-of-date and not clearly labeled, and store kept items out of reach of children and pets. Separate newspapers, rags and other combustible material from fireplaces, dryers and other heating elements to prevent fire. Change smoke detector batteries at daylight savings time. Clean up garage clutter and store tools safely away from a child's reach.

Grass Cutting

• Lawn mowers can cause serious injury, so mow with caution.

  Emergency rooms see more than 60,000 lawn mower accident patients each year, reveals the Anderson Township Fire Department of Ohio (Ref. 1, pg. 2, under "Yardwork Safety," 3rd bullet). Rid the lawn of stones, sticks and other possible flying debris before mowing. Wear shoes and avoid loose-fitting clothes. Turn off the gas tank when filling up, and store gasoline-approved containers in cool areas away from children, pets and homes. Never leave a running mower unattended, and constantly keep an eye out for children.

Grilling

• Grills should never be used in garages.

  Check barbecue grill propane tanks for gas leaks or cracks, and only grill outdoors. Do not grill in the garage; this prevents carbon monoxide poisoning.

Yard Maintenance

• Follow safety precautions when using power tools.

  Stay hydrated when performing yard duties in the hot sun, and use gloves, eye protection and other protective clothing. Trimmers, power saws and other lawn tools cause nearly 55,000 injuries each year, states the Anderson Township Fire Department (Ref. 1, pg. 2, under "Yardwork Safety," 4th bullet). Operate tools safely and store them unplugged in a safe place. Do not use tools with broken or worn parts or wiring. Avoid contact between power lines and other wiring and ladders or cutting tools.

Poisonous Plants

• Be able to identify poison ivy and other poisonous plants.

  Familiarize yourself and your family with the visual characteristics of poison ivy, oak, sumac and other harmful plants that can cause severe itching and other health problems. Avoid these plants when hiking, weeding or playing outdoors.

Water Safety

• Practice safe boating habits while cruising waters.

  Avoid walking on thinly-iced lakes or rivers. Rivers can be dangerously high from excessive rain and recent thawing of winter snow and ice. Avoid standing on river banks with swiftly-moving waters. Spring waters can be cold enough to cause hypothermia, reminds the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (Ref. 2, 3rd paragraph). All boaters should wear life vests, take safety equipment and be mindful of other boaters and partially submerged objects in waters.

Weather

• Spring can bring harsh lightning storms.

  Humidity can bring harsh weather. Listen to weather reports for impending storms before going outdoors and in or near water. Know what to do and where to seek shelter in the case of a tornado. Prepare an emergency kit with flashlights, a radio and extra batteries.

Ladders

• Check ladders for loose rungs before climbing.

  Ladders cause an average of 145,000 emergency room visits each year, reports the Anderson Township Fire Department (Ref. 1, pg. 2, under "Ladder Safety," 1st paragraph). Follow weight restrictions. Extended reaching can lead to imbalance and injury. Inspect ladders for loose rungs before climbing, and keep them secure and level.