Homeowner's are cleaning up everything that has been accumulating in basements, garages, and storage areas over the winter. Care should be taken in storage and disposal of chemicals and cleaning products. Please remember that Keep McMinn Beautiful has a Hazardous Materials Collection every October at McMinn County High School. Following are some helpful tips for use, storage, and disposal.

 

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 rubberr 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 away from children's reach.

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.

When cleaning out closets or re-organizing, always keep stairs, steps, landings and all floors clear.

Carry loads you can see over, and keep one hand free to hold banisters and railings.

Five gallon buckets are often used while cleaning and present a serious drowning danger to young children. Never leave a bucket or any standing water unattended and store buckets empty and upside-down.

When cleaning out cabinets, separate dangerous products and medications and lock them up, out of reach of young children.