You’re COVID cautious when you go out, but how do you ensure your loved ones are safe in the house? Health Canada explains
Wondering how to keep your home safe during these challenging times? By following these simple steps, you can keep your home safe for you and your family while we all do our part to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Wash your hands
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food.
- If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
Read the label
- Always read and follow instructions on the labels of household chemical products and pesticides. Use them carefully, especially around children and pets.
- Use protective clothing such as goggles, masks, and rubber gloves to protect your eyes and skin as directed on a product label or directions for use.
- Teach children that hazard symbols mean Danger! Do not touch.
Do not mix household cleaning chemicals together
- Never mix bleach with other chemicals, especially with glass cleaners, other products containing ammonia or acids, such as vinegar. Mixing bleach and ammonia or other chemicals can produce toxic gases.
Lock up your chemicals
- Keep household chemical products locked in cupboards or drawers and out of reach and sight of young children and pets.
- Do not expose chemical products to extreme temperatures. Keep them away from food, water sources, and open flames.
Dispose of chemical products properly
- Do not dispose of chemical products and pharmaceuticals down the drain or by flushing them down the toilet.
- Improper disposal can lead to build up of these chemicals in the soil and in the water. Be sure to follow disposal instructions as stated on the product label.
- Take any toxic household materials to your local hazardous waste disposal depot, where they can be disposed of safely. If you don’t know where yours is, check with your municipal government or waste facility.
- Bring unused and expired prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and natural health products to your local pharmacist for proper disposal.
Ventilate your home
- Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows or doors and running exhaust fans, during and after using household chemical products.
Keep your home clean
- Homes should be routinely cleaned. High-touch surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected more often and when visibly dirty.
- Clean floors and household surfaces with a wet cloth or mop regularly to remove dust and dirt.
- Consider installing a central vacuum that is vented outdoors, or using a vacuum with a high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter that traps small particles.
Remove your shoes at the door
- Don’t track in harmful substances from outside. Keep a strict barrier between outside dirt and contaminants in your home.
- This may be particularly important if you have young children who spend a great deal of time playing on the floor.
Prevent mould
- Eliminate mould by keeping indoor moisture levels and humidity low, allowing for proper ventilation throughout your home, and cleaning up spills immediately.
- If a small amount of mould is found in your home, remove it with water and dish soap. There is no need for bleach.
- If the affected area is large:
- Take precautions to protect your health.
- Consider hiring a professional to clean it up, especially if there is a large amount of mould or if the mould keeps coming back after you clean it.
- A large amount of mould is often the result of a larger problem (like a leak in the foundation or a major flood), which you may need professional help to fix.
As we work hard to make the world outside our homes safer, we still need to make sure our world inside stays safe, too.
For more information visit: Canada.ca/healthy-home
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