Finally, it’s springtime! After a particularly cold winter, there is always a rush of excitement when the weather begins to warm up. Here are a few Spring Home Safety tips to help make your spring happy and healthy.

Time for that big, cathartic cleanse! When you do your spring cleaning, be careful not to mix cleaning products or let small children or pets near toxic substances. Always be aware of ventilation while using many cleaning products. Also, be sure to keep child-safe lids on your containers between uses and put safety latches on cabinets where cleaning products are stored. Storing cleaning products on higher shelves will also help. Consider using non-toxic cleaning products which are often environmentally friendly as well.

Getting out and cleaning up the yard tops many to-do lists in the spring. Be careful when cleaning out debris and moving yard waste. Spiders, snakes and other creatures often lurk in dark corners or under rotting wood. Wearing thick boots and gloves and keeping arms and legs covered are good precautions, but also remember never to put your hand or foot anywhere you can’t see. Move debris with a shovel or rake instead of by hand and stay well away from any creature you do uncover. If you find an infestation of any kind, such as a wasp’s nest or a family of squirrels in the attic, call a professional.

Spring is a great time to get active. Activities such as hiking and bike rides and sports such as soccer and baseball all pick up in the spring. When using bikes, scooters or other recreational transportation, be sure to check for rust or deterioration of any kind, pump up tires and check that all parts are in working order before heading out. And of course, don’t forget your helmets, knee and elbow pads!