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Practice Outdoor Safety
As cold weather approaches, you may be trying to squeeze in a few last-minute outdoor projects and family activities. Don't forget to take the necessary precautions to keep your property and loved ones safe during the winter months.
Outdoor Fire Safety
Prevent Electric Shock Outdoors
Store and Dispose of Chemicals Safely
Your local True Value hardware store has all the products and expert advice you need to make your outdoors safer for everyone. Follow the guidelines below to get started.
Outdoor Fire Safety
Step 1. Stay Warm and Keep Safe
Fall weather is a lovely time for bonfires, burning leaves and other outdoor activities. But with party lights, patio heaters, outdoor fire pits and grills, fall can also be a time for fire hazards.
Before you start a bonfire, make sure outdoor fires are legal in your community. If outdoor fires are permitted in your community, only build them in enclosed, contained areas. Try an outdoor chimenea, fire bowl or fire pit, taking care not to overload it. Make sure there is nothing flammable within 3 feet of the fire. Never leave a fire unattended — sparks can blow onto surrounding leaves and grass and quickly spread. Always keep a garden hose or bucket of water nearby to extinguish errant fires.
When you're done with your outdoor fire, drown flames with plenty of water and stir the ashes. Continue adding water and stirring until everything is cold to the touch. Don't discard ashes or embers in trashcans until the next day. Instead, collect ashes in a metal bucket for the ashes and leave it outside overnight. Douse with water again in the morning before discarding the ashes in the trash.
When using a patio heater, always remember to turn it off when you go inside.
Step 2. Remember Other Outdoor Fire Hazards
It's also important to keep your roof clear of leaves and other debris. This will prevent sparks from power lines or lightning from starting a fire on your roof — not to mention improving the look of your home's exterior.
To clean your gutters and roof, remove loose debris using handheld blowers or wet/dry vacuums. 
It's best to do this on a dry day when leaves are loose and light. Some tools include attachments designed specifically for gutters and downspouts. Blow off or blow out as much loose debris as possible and collect it in yard refuse bags. Use a gutter scoop to get any stubborn or compacted debris in your gutters and downspouts. Start at the downspouts and work away from them to avoid pushing debris together and creating more clogs. Attach a bucket to your ladder with a wire hook for easier collection or to carry tools.
Helpful Tip:
- Don't throw away your gutter waste; it makes a great addition to your compost pile.
Safety Alert!
- Sharp objects such as thorns and roofing nails often end up in gutters. Wear heavy gloves for protection. Falling is also a potential hazard. Practice ladder safety and invest in an adjustable ladder stabilizer.
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Prevent Electric Shock Outdoors
Before you begin outdoor home maintenance projects that involve digging or excavating, make sure you know where the underground power lines are. Contact your local power company or power line locator service.
Plant trees far from telephone poles and power lines and avoid trimming trees that are located near power lines. That's a job best left to professionals.
When working on the roof, a good rule of thumb is to keep yourself and your equipment at least 10' from hanging power lines.
Safety Alert!
- Avoid stepping on wet roofs or other wet surfaces. Wear rubber-soled shoes for traction.
Your outdoor outlets need attention, too. Make sure yours are weatherproofed and have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) to protect you from serious shock.
When installing and using outdoor water pumps for ponds and pools, never start the pump until it's fully submerged in water. Make sure to unplug the pump every time you need to adjust the water flow and dry your hands completely before plugging the cord back in.
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Store and Dispose of Chemicals Safely
When dealing with any chemicals used for outdoor projects, always read the manufacturers' safety warnings on product labels. You'll see how to properly store and dispose of chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. Many lawn and garden chemicals are toxic and highly flammable. Keep all containers in cool areas, away from heat and flames.
Safety Alert!
- When working with harsh chemicals or pesticides always wear protective gloves, goggles and clothing. If you get any chemical substance on your skin, wash the area immediately with soap and water.
Congratulations. You've made your outdoors a safer place to enjoy a fall bonfire and protected your home from outdoor fire hazards. For all your projects that make your home safe inside and out, visit your local True Value hardware store for the tools, products and expert advice you need to start right.
For more projects, go to TrueValue.com. >
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