Spring cleaning poses its own hazards Published April 14, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Corbin McIntire 5th Bomb Wing ground safety MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- One of the best times of the year is approaching us. Spring showers awaken the earth and calls forth new life. The birds will be chirping, the days will be longer and the trees will be in full bloom. It's also a dreaded time of year; spring cleaning! Spring cleaning is a great time to get rid of clutter that was building up during the winter time as well as getting rid of those winter time blues. Whether tackling the spring cleaning or doing a weekly cleaning routine, it's important to use the cleaning products safely, especially if there are young children or pets. Be sure to read the label and use as directed, store them as directed and dispose of the empty contents safely. Here are some spring cleaning tips: · Make a list of things that need to be done. · Schedule a family garage clean out. Create sufficient storage for all the summer equipment. Store all the winter stuff away. · Inspect, clean and repair outdoor furniture. · Clear away any remaining dead foliage and weeds from beds and lawn to make room for the new growth and it will also protect the new growth from damage and diseases. · Wash the windows inside and out, to include the screens. · Take down all draperies and window treatments to clean and vacuum. · Change out the seasonal clothes. Set aside the ones the children out grew or the ones no longer worn for a garage sale. · Clean out all of closets and storage areas. Set aside those items that are not used any more to save room for new items. · Spring clean the barbecue grill. Be sure to check for leaks and cracks and ensure propane tanks are properly stored Spring cleaning gives a fresh look at all belongings. It also gives people a fresh start to the year after a long hard winter. For more information, contact the 5th BW safety office at 723-3305/2259/2619/2239.