By Donna V. Scaglione
For many of us, the months of May, June, and beyond bring the weather that we’ve been waiting for all winter. But the warmer months are not without their difficulties. Sure, the winter chill and shorter days are gone, but in their place are mosquitoes at dusk and a layer of pollen on the window sill. Here’s how to contend with such nuisances and still love spring. (Pass the box of tissues, please.)
1. Spring cleaning mishaps
Sure, you want your house in top shape this spring, but take care when doing heavy-duty cleaning that involves climbing and prevent a trip to the hospital. Be especially careful with stepladders — last year 35,500 people hurt themselves on stepladders, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports.
Avoid being among the statistics this year by following advice from the Home Safety Council:
• Use a sturdy ladder and make sure it’s completely open with locks in place.
• Stand at or below the highest safe-standing level of the ladder. (For stepladders, that’s the second rung from the top. For an extension ladder, it is the fourth rung from the top.)
• Be sure the rungs are dry before stepping.
