National Safety Month

   June has begun and Meticulice is welcoming the summer month with open arms.  Along with the official start of summer, it is also National Safety Month, and we've compiled a list to keep you and your family safe not only while you clean, but also throughout the summer months. While this list does give many helpful hints, it is just a starting point, be sure to add a comment down below with some of your own helpful safety hints you use within your family!

CLEANING 

• Keep all products in their original containers
• Never sniff, touch, or taste to determine the product
• Keep all the products locked up, and out of reach of children
• Reach your labels, and never mix chemicals, they can release a harmful gas
• Open windows and turn on fans while cleaning and for an hour or two afterwards
• Wear protective clothing - long sleeves, long pants, socks, shoes, and gloves - it spraying pesticides 
• Even "all-natural" or "environmentally friendly " labeled products can be serious if ingested 
• Make sure mop buckets are carefully guarded; even a very small bucket of water or fluids can be hazardous, causing drownings or serious health issues if ingested. 
• The slippery surface of a freshly mopped floor is dangerous as well. It may cause a slip leading to a dangerous fall
• Never turn your back on a ladder
• If possible, use cleaning tools with telescoping handles 
• It is recommended to changed the batteries of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year (helpful idea is to change them with the clock)

OUTSIDE 

• Teach your children to never play on or around a lawn mower, even when it is off
• Children under 6 should be kept inside when the lawn is be mowed 
• Frequent playgrounds that have shock absorbent surfaces
• Teach children to use equipment properly 
• Enforcing no pushing, shoving, rough housing 
• Use appropriate and well fitted equipment in sports (helmets, goggles, etc) 
• Don't leave unattended kids near open flames (grills, campfires, fire-pits, bonfires, etc)
• Always have a bucket of way and fire extinguisher on hand
• Only let professionals handle fireworks 

POOL CLEANING 

• Keep water in constant moving; it prevents bacteria from forming 
• Check the pools filter and backwash frequently
• Brush and vacuum at least once a week
• Test your pools water, the pH balance and sanitizer levels needs to be checked 
• Have a water treatment going 
• If going on vacation:  brush and vacuum, test the levels, set the timer/ask a good friend to make sure pump runs eight hours a day 

POOL SAFETY 

• ALWAYS MANDATE A LIFEGUARD ON HAND
• Be CPR certified 
• Keep the water clean
• Have the children take swimming lessons
• Know the weather, realize if there is a storm coming in
• Wear your life jackets, remember toys are not a replacement for life jackets
• Always aha a phone on hand for emergencies 
• Don't clutter pool and the surrounding area 
• Have a 4foot or taller fence surrounding pool area 

To keep everyone properly protected from the sun use the proper SPF Sunblock for your skin type, wear a hat, and keep in proper shade.  

These are just a few helpful hints for your family, as always we love to hear any that you have to offer!  Any emergency immediately seek medical assistant or call 911.