Millions of people are injured and thousands are killed each year in household mishaps -- many involving routine equipment, according to the Home Safety Council. Common mistakes to avoid this summer:
| DANGER |
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ERROR |
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HOW TO STAY SAFE |
| Ladder (200 deaths and 150,000 injuries from falls)* |
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Ladder base too close to supporting object, so it tips; loss of balance from overreaching or standing on a rung that's too high. |
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For each 4 feet of distance between ground and upper contact point, move base out 1 foot. Don't stand higher than fourth rung from top. |
| Grill (1,000 structural and 3,400 outdoor fires) |
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Grilling too close to the house; leak or break in gas line; leaving grill unattended. |
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Keep grill 3 feet from house. To check gas line, slather with dish soap; if it bubbles, replace. |
| Lawn mower (70,000 injuries, including cuts, amputations) |
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Not clearing yard of debris before mowing; kids falling off parents' laps on riding mowers; hands too close to blade. |
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Clear yard of large sticks and rocks; shut off mower when reaching near blades; never let children near or on a mower. |
| Playground sets (200,000 injuries, home and public) |
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Kids climbing on equipment too high for their age, doubling the chances of injury during falls. |
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Children 5 and under shouldn't climb higher than 6 feet; for school-age kids, the limit is 8 feet. |
| Trampolines (98,000 injuries) |
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Falling, colliding with others, performing stunts. |
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No multiple jumpers, somersaults or kids under 6 allowed. |
| *Annual figures Sources: National Fire Protection Association, National Program for Playground Safety |
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