A safe, healthy house makes for a happy spring

At the beginning of spring, early Roman citizens performed rites of purification, sweeping out their homes and sprinkling them with salt. Modern spring cleaning rituals make our homes safer and healthier.

“Take a springtime tour of your home’s exterior, checking to make sure the gutters and downspouts are clean and secure,” said Ken Dunn, owner of Mr. Handyman in Baltimore County. “Be alert for peeling paint and especially wood rot, which must be eliminated before it causes further damage. Inspect the roof for loose or missing shingles, and in the evening, check the exterior lighting.”