April 2007

Personal Safety: Reducing Spring Allergies

As we come into the spring season, more of us face the fact that we have seasonal allergies. Below is a list of some helpful tips to make this spring a bit more bearable:

• Do a thorough spring cleaning — windows, book shelves and air conditioning vents collect dust throughout the winter that can provoke allergy symptoms.
• Minimize outdoor activity when pollen counts are high. Peak pollen times are usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Take medications at least 30 minutes prior to outdoor activity. You should always consult with your health care provider before taking any over-the-counter medications.
• Shut windows in your house on days when pollen counts are high.
• Avoid using windows or fans that may draw pollen inside.
• Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
• Dry laundry indoors. Sheets hanging on an outside line are an easy target for blowing pollen.
• Shower and wash your hair before bed — pollen can collect on your hair and skin.
• Keep pets off of furniture and out of the bedroom. Pollen can cling to the dog or cat after being outside.
• Keep car windows closed during peak season.
• Use air conditioning and point vents away from face.
• When mowing lawn or gardening, wear a filter mask.
• Remember that you can develop allergies at any time and symptoms can be mild to severe and include, sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, skin rashes, scratchy throat, cough, wheeze or trouble breathing.
• If you think you have allergies, see your health care provider for advice and treatment.

For more information about seasonal allergies, visit the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) at aaaai.org.

Current Topic: Spring Safety Tips

As the winter comes to a busy end, it is important to prepare you and your families for the warmer spring weather.

Spring Cleaning

• Household and pool chemicals, paints, and poisons should be properly marked and stored under lock and key, away from children's reach. Dispose of any that are leaking, expired, or that look bad.
• When cleaning up hazardous chemicals, wear rubber gloves and follow the safety directions on the packaging.
• Never mix chemicals in the same container. If you don't know how to dispose of them, seek outside advice. Never put them into the trash or pour down the drain.
• Make sure gasoline and cleaning fluids are well marked and stored in a cool, dry place away from the house and out of the reach of children and pets. Use only approved containers for gasoline storage.
• Never use gasoline to clean skin, clothes, auto parts or floors.
• Clean up work areas. Put dangerous tools, adhesives, matches, or other work items out of the reach of children.
• Check your barbecue grill for leaks and cracks, and be sure to store any propane tanks away from your house and garage.
• Remove all fire hazards, including stacks of rags, newspapers, and magazines. Pay special attention to the spaces around your furnace, hot water tank, fireplace, space heaters, and dryer, as well as under the stairs.

For this and other spring safety information, visit the West Milford, New Jersey Fire Prevention web site at http://www.wmoem.org/FirePrevention/springsafety.htm