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(Page 3) Grills If you're like me one of my favorite past times is firing up the smoker or grill and cooking one of many favorite recipes. In fact, the ultimate in outdoor cooking is standing out in the freezing temperatures in the middle of winter cooking a thick grilled steak or burger. This winter rite of passage reminds us that spring is not too far off in the distant future. But there are many safety-related issues associated with grills, smokers, deep fryers and all of the exotic cooking gadgetry that we now have to choose from. Some basic rules to follow when using these appliances include making sure that they are never left unattended with small children or persons who are unable to judge their potential danger. It only takes a second for someone to get severely burned by coming in contact with hot burners, cooking oil or coals. Secondly, cooking equipment should be properly maintained and repaired as necessary. Fuel hoses that have dry rotted or burner valves that are leaking pose the threat of serious accidents. Charcoals or other starter materials for grills should be ignited with the proper fuel additives and should NEVER be started with combustible fuels such as gasoline. Be sure that coals or other heating elements are properly extinguished or allowed to cool off after each use. Outdoor grills should NEVER be used inside. Propane tanks and other fuels should be properly stored outside of the home.
Ladders/Stairs Caregivers should pay special attention to all outdoor stairways as these pose a high risk of injury through unnecessary trips and falls. There are primarily four major areas of consideration regarding stairway safety that will reduce the chances of accidents. First, stairs should be kept clear of any objects that may pose the risk of tripping. Do not store items, even temporarily, for the purpose of taking them upstairs later on. Secondly, all stairways should be kept well lighted so that all steps can be clearly seen. Poor visual recognition, both inadequate lighting as well as the person's eyesight, are often causes for stairway accidents. Light switches should be easily accessible from both the top and bottom of the stairways before using. Steps or drop-offs should be clearly marked to prevent falls. The third area is proper maintenance of the handrails. These should be mounted securely without any lose play. Handrails should be mounted in the proper position on the wall so that persons do not have to reach up or down to grab them. The last area involves the floor or cover maintenance of the stairs. All stairs should be kept in good condition. Replace or repair any floor coverings that are torn or frayed. Protruding nails should be hammered out to prevent cuts or tripping. All-purpose weather carpeting should be properly maintained. Carpet patterns on stairs can also be a potential cause of accidents especially if the pattern runs together and there is no clear identification of the last step. Marking the step so that it stands out can often prevent prematurely misjudging the last step. Persons that are unsteady on their feet should be assisted while attempting to get up or down stairways. The following questions can help you identify areas that present a potential risk of injury to you or your loved one:
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