Summer is here, at last, with all of its enjoyable warm-weather activities: picnics, hiking, fishing, gardening, swimming, boating, bar-b-ques, and, of course, celebrating the anniversary of our nation’s independence on July 4th. And, unfortunately, it’s a fact of nature that all of these are accompanied by a certain amount of risk. Handyman Matters is here to help you have a safe and wonderful time this summer. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to reduce the risk of spending any time being treated for injuries from easily avoidable accidents.
PROTECT YOURSELF
Stay hydrated and use sunscreen! This seems pretty obvious, but it’s ridiculously easy to step outdoors for what you think will be just a few minutes, only to wind up distracted by some task that will have you boiling underneath the sun’s harsh rays without even realizing it. Both sunburn and dehydration sneak up on you, so don’t give them a chance.
KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS
With the advent of spring and the return of green grass and flowers comes the temptation to spruce up things around your home and yard. Maybe you’re eyeing a landscaping project, taking down storm windows, cleaning gutters, sanding and re-staining patio furniture, washing all the second-story windows, or something else. Whether it’s a large project or small, don’t jump in until you’ve fully considered the amount of time you can dedicate to it, as well as your personal skill level. Don’t compromise the project—or your safety—by biting off more than you can chew. You’ll wind up frustrated (or worse, yet—with a frustrated spouse!) and a home improvement project only halfway done by autumn, and looking nowhere near the way you pictured it in your head!
BE SAFE, BE SAFE, AND BE SAFE
Don’t mount a rickety ladder to wash windows, clean gutters or to check the condition of your roof. Don’t undertake any of these or any other outdoor activities when a thunder and lightning storm beckons. Make sure you alert someone before attempting any task that involves working with power tools or takes you up into a tree or onto a ladder—the statistics on people lying injured while unaware family members are just steps away are staggering. Don’t be one of them!
Don’t prune trees or shrubbery anywhere near power lines. Don’t dig on your property until you know precisely where any utility cables are buried.
BE CAREFUL AND CAUTIOUS IN YOUR CELEBRATING
The Fourth of July holiday comes with some uniquely potential hazards: grilling, open flames, fireworks, and, in many instances, alcohol. Adding to the mix are children and pets dashing around, a heightened recipe for disaster. It’s important to exercise caution and to resist temptation. Leave the fireworks to the experts. Don’t leave grills, bar-b-cues or open flames unattended for even a few seconds. If you are entertaining even a small group of friends or family, be vigilant. Have fun, and relax—just don’t relax too much—it’s the responsibility comes with being a good host.
Handyman Matters wants you to have a summer to remember—but for all the right reasons! We stand ready to assist you with any summertime projects that can help you enjoy your house and yard to their fullest. After all, we’re in this for the long haul—we want you to be a customer for life!
You can always reach us by calling 1(866)FIX-MY-HOME.
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