STAYING HOME TO WORK IN THE YARD OR GARDEN?

Do it! It will be fun, and you’ll be proud of the results. However, don’t forget that nearly 250,000 people a year are treated for injuries related to electrical lawn and garden tools and other power equipment.

With this in mind, keep the kids away from outdoor power tools and other power equipment. Protect yourself by making sure you have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). See that extension cords are in good condition and rated for outdoor use and the capacity of the tool. If you need to make an adjustment or clear a jam, unplug electrical tools first. Always add fuel OUTDOORS — not in the garage or shed. Store gasoline in an approved container away from the house, and don’t smoke or use a flame around it.

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If your cellar is crammed with broken-down old furniture, empty boxes, half-empty paint cans, seven years worth of National Geographic, broken tools and obsolete appliances that you’ll never use again, you, like millions of others, are a pack-rat.

While your hoard of “treasures” will never make the Antiques Road Show, it’s possible that some of them may attract neighbors to a garage sale. No matter how you get them out of your cellar, NOW is the time to make plans for your SPRING/FALL cleanup.

Be firm with yourself — don’t give in to nostalgia! Face the fact that those once beautiful, useful items are now food for fire, an accident looking for a victim, or both. Should the closet to the gas-fed hot water heater suddenly burst into flame, blocking the way of incoming firefighters, you’ll be in really hot water.

GET RID OF IT...IT’S A FIRE HAZARD!

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