Welcome and thank you for checking out our blog! This post is our sixth in a series of posts that will explore the dirtiest places found in different environments. Environments such as your office, your home, the airport, etc. Click here to follow us on Facebook or click here to connect with us on LinkedIn to be alerted when those posts become available.
When we think of schools, we imagine the education that our children will earn daily. However, while learning, there is a possibility that they can also pick up germs. Missing school means missing important instruction so let’s examine some of the dirtiest areas in schools and what to do to prevent it!
Germs:
A common place we think of for germs is the bathrooms However, here are some other places and surfaces in a school that are known to harbor lots of germs. Most of the germs on these surfaces are due to improper hand washing techniques but can also occur from coughing or sneezing:
- Drinking fountain
- Door Knobs
- Classroom supplies (especially if shared amongst students)
- Desks or tables
- Cafeteria trays or lunch boxes
What can you do to help?
First and foremost, the biggest thing you can do is wash your hands and teach your children how to properly wash their hands! Make sure they are washing their hands before and after handling food, after using the restroom, after sneezing or coughing, and after handling anything that they think may be dirty. Using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds helps cut down on germs.
If a student is unable to wash their hands, most classrooms offer hand sanitizer dispensers. It is also a good idea to use hand sanitizer before eating, or after sneezing or coughing.
Disinfecting wipes are also helpful in wiping off surfaces such as desks and tables or personal belongings to avoid spreading any germs. Teachers use a disinfecting wipe or spray often during cold and flu season.
Regular washing of backpacks and lunch boxes at home will help prevent the spread of germs as well. If you are not able to wash these items, wiping them off with disinfecting wipes will also help.
Ask your child’s school what cleaning and disinfecting techniques are being used to keep the environment healthy. Have them contact Octagon Building Care for a no obligation evaluation and quote!
Octagon Building Care is a leader in commercial cleaning and building solutions for Fort Worth, Arlington, and Dallas. Follow us on Facebook for more great information.