citizensmemorial.com 7 SAFETY LESSONS IN LADDER SAFETY Get mosquitoes to bug off! Take these steps to avoid mosquito bites this season and beyond In warm weather, mosquitoes are a hot topic. Generally, these insect bites are just itchy and uncomfortable. In rare instances, though, mosquitoes can carry disease, such as West Nile virus, which can cause flu-like symptoms. In other cases, mosquito bites can cause a serious allergic reaction. To prevent your skin from becoming a mosquito picnic—and reduce the chances of mosquito-borne illness—limit your contact with mosquitoes as much as you can. Start by putting these pestfree pointers into practice. Use bug spray. Before heading outside, apply sunscreen, then bug repellent. Check bug repellent labels for active ingredients—such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, 2-undecanone, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)—that have proved to be effective and safe, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Apply according to label directions. Avoid bug repellents with OLE and PMD for children 3 years of age and younger. Cover up. Tight-knit clothing, such as jeans and long-sleeved shirts, can act as a physical mosquito barrier. Similarly, cover baby strollers with mosquito netting. Debug your yard. Standing water is a mosquito breeding ground. Pour water from buckets, toys and any other open containers. Also, empty and change the water in birdbaths and wading pools at least once a week. WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT A BUG BITE If you get munched on by mosquitoes, wash your bites with soap and water. Apply an icy compress to the area, followed by anti-itch cream to take away the itch and the red bump. Some people develop large bumps. See a doctor if the bite worsens; if you develop a skin rash, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or swollen glands; or if you feel achy. Get to the emergency department immediately if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling in your lips, face or tongue; dizziness; or vomiting. A ladder may look like a simple enough contraption. But to use it safely, you need to use your smarts. Follow this advice to help ensure that your next ladder-linked project remains injury free. » Give a ladder the once-over before using it. Never use one that is damaged, broken or bent. Check it for any loose screws, hinges or rungs. » Always set a ladder on stable ground. » Before using a stepladder, make sure it’s fully open and that the spreaders or braces between the two sections are fully extended and locked. » Never use a ladder in high winds. » Wear lace-up shoes or boots when climbing a ladder. » If you’re going to climb onto a roof, the ladder should extend 3 feet higher than the roof. » Face the ladder while climbing, and stay in the center of the rails. Grip both rails securely while climbing. » Remember: It’s always better to move a ladder than to overreach. » Don’t ask someone to climb up behind you to hand you something. Only one person should use a ladder at a time. » Don’t use a ladder or its pail shelf as a seat.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzIxMDA=