INSIDE

• When it comes time to change the clocks forward, be sure to check your smoke alarm batteries.
• In nicer weather, you might want to air out your home by opening the windows. Remember to open them from the top if possible, or install window guards and stops to prevent falls.
• If you are partaking in spring cleaning with kids, remember to give them chores that keeps them safe from poisonous items in your home.
  
  • While younger children might be able to ‘help’ you with chores like laundry or cleaning flat surfaces, keep cleaning products locked away and out-of-reach and always supervise the kids.
    
    

OUTSIDE

• Wear protective gear when playing sports or doing any wheeled sports.
• While everyone should always wear sunscreen no matter the season, remember to apply some bug spray before going outside in the spring, and check for ticks when returning inside.
• If you or someone else you know has an at-home pool, make sure to adhere to some basic water safety guidelines. Near the end of spring, many public pools will open, or some families may take trips to some open water areas for swimming or boating -situations where water safety is still important!
• Familiarize yourself with the warning signs of allergies and asthma, as these are the most common chronic diseases among children in the USA.
  • Allergies are reactions that are usually caused by an overactive immune system, which can occur in a variety of organs in the body (resulting in asthma, hay fever, eczema, and other conditions). Other common symptoms of allergies include:
    • Patches of bumps or itchy, red skin that won’t go away.
    • Development of hives – intensely itchy skin eruptions that usually last for a few hours and move from one part of the body to another.
    • Repeated or chronic cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and throat clearing, that last more than a week or two, or develop at about the same time every year.
    • Nose rubbing, sniffling, snorting, sneezing, or drippy nose.
    • Itchy or watering eyes.
    • Itching or tingling sensations in the mouth and throat.
    • Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and other respiratory symptoms.
    • Unexplained bouts of diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and other intestinal symptoms.
  • Asthma is a chronic condition originating in the lungs (whereas allergies are reactions that originate in the immune system and can affect many organs, including the lungs). Many different substances and circumstances can trigger an asthma attack, like exercise, exposure to cold air, a viral infection, air pollution, noxious fumes, tobacco smoke, and for many asthma sufferers, a host of allergens. Some symptoms include:
    • Shortness of breath.
    • Chest tightness or pain.
    • Wheezing when exhaling, which is a common sign of asthma in children.
    • Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing.
    • Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu.
• When the weather is nice, some people can’t wait to get out and use their grill that has been waiting for them all winter! Just remember:
  • Only use grills outdoors, away from the home, deck railings, and any overhanging branches. Grilling in any enclosed space (like a garage or tent) means an increased risk of both fire hazard and carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Keep children and pets away from the grill area, and never leave it unattended.
  • Keep your grill clean! Remove grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
  • For propane grills:
    • Always turn off the propane tank when not in use.
    • Check the major connection points: between the gas (propane) tank hose, regulator and cylinder and where the hose connects to the burners. Tighten if loose.
    • Check the gas (propane) tank hose for potential (gas) leaks:
      • Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle.
      • Turn on the propane tank. If there is a gas leak, the propane will release bubbles around the hose (big enough to see).
      • If there are no bubbles, your grill is safe to use.
      • If there are bubbles, turn off the tank and check connections, then have your grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
      • If the leak does not stop, call the fire department immediately.
  •  For charcoal grills
    • There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
    • If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
    • Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
    • There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
    • When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.