Spring has arrived and for some that can
mean yard work. It is important to remem- ber to be cautious while working outside. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe this spring:
• Put Tools Away - When not using shovels, rakes, clippers, or anything else that could injure someone, hang them up inside a shed or garage.
• Store Hazardous Materials Properly –
Yard care products labeled caution, hazard- ous or poisonous should be safely locked away out of reach for children and pets.
• Keep Chainsaw Blades Sharp – A dull chainsaw blade can cause it to kick, which can result in a serious injury.
• Refill Gasoline Carefully – When your mower runs out of gas, make sure to let the engine cool before you re ll. e vapor from the gasoline could catch re if there is spark.
• Goggles and Hearing Protection –
Whenever possible wear goggles and hearing protection when around powered yard tools.
• Clean Up e Yard Before Mowing –
Pick up sticks, toys, and stones before mow- ing. ese items can be kicked out by the blade and potentially hurt you or others. 

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If your home has a crawl space, its a good idea to have it inspected at least once a year. Poor conditions with your crawl space can damage your building’s structure and negatively affect the living environment in your home which lies directly above the crawl space.
When inspecting your crawl space:
• Make sure it is free of pests and that there are no signs of excessive moisture build up such as ponding of water or mold growth.
• If the crawl space has a dirt floor, check that there is a vapor barrier installed, such as a plastic liner covering the entire dirt floor.
• If water tends to accumulate in the crawl space, your NPI inspector will likely recommend further evaluation by a qualified crawl space waterproofing contractor for the best solution.
• Avoid storing items in the crawl space as it may inhibit access for maintenance.
• Another important factor in reducing moisture in the crawl space is to have the ground outside your house slope away from the walls of the structure. This is to avoid undue water seepage into the crawl space.
• Use caution! A crawl space can be difficult and even hazardous to enter. Consider having an NPI inspector conduct your crawl space inspection. NPI inspectors are trained and experienced and take the proper precautions when entering and inspecting crawl spaces. 

While lead-based paint is usually not a hazard when it is in good condition, it can be a danger to not only children, but also healthy adults. Surfaces painted before 1978 are a common contributor to this contamination.
Paint can break down and settle in the home as dust where it can be breathed in once disturbed. Soil contamination is common in the yards of homes in older neighborhoods.
To minimize lead related health risks:
• Regularly clean oors, window sills, and other surfaces.
• Fix surfaces with peeling or chipping paint.
• Get your home checked for lead hazards.
• Perform a soil test in order to gauge the presence of lead outside your home.
• Avoid exposure to lead dust when remodeling or renovating.
Whether it is having a professional come in to remove materials or simply getting rid of a household item, lead contamination can be dealt with in a safe, effective way.