The weather is warming, so it’s time for spring cleaning! This year, don’t forget to add some fire safety tips to your list. By following these simple tips, you can help reduce the risk of a fire happening in your home. Keep reading for our top tips on how to keep your family safe this spring!
One of the most important things you can do to prevent a fire is to keep your home clean. Dust and dirt can quickly build up and become combustible. Make sure to dust all surfaces, especially those that tend to collect dust, like bookshelves and window sills. Don’t forget to vacuum regularly too!
We’ve compiled a quick list of additional fire prevention and safety measures to include in your cleaning routine this year:
Indoor Spring Cleaning Fire Safety Tips
When it comes to spring cleaning, mops, brooms, and dustpans quickly come to mind. Keeping fire prevention in mind as you go about your spring cleaning routine can help prevent a fire in the future. Check out these six indoor fire safety tips:
1 . Clear out any clutter from your home, especially in hallways and stairways.
Did you know that clutter provides fuel for a fire to spread? Make sure that all of your exits are clear and have a clear path to them. If you have any items blocking an exit, move them immediately. This ensures your family will have good escape routes should you need to evacuate due to fire.
2. Check Your Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly. Now is an excellent time to install them if you don’t have any. Replace your carbon monoxide and smoke detector batteries and look for any corrosion on the batteries or their connection points in the device. Replace the entire device if you notice any corrosion inside the battery compartment. Otherwise, supply your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors with a fresh set of batteries. The St. Albans Fire Department has partnered with the American Red Cross to offer free smoke alarms to St. Albans residents.
3. Don’t Use Electrical Appliances or Tools with Frayed Cords
If you have any electrical appliances or tools with frayed electrical cords, replace them as soon as possible. Using damaged electrical cords could start a fire. This is also an excellent time to check your extension cords too. Too many devices plugged in can overload the outlet and cause a fire.
4. Check for Water Around Electrical Appliances
Check for water around electrical appliances, such as your washing machine, dryer, or dishwasher. If you notice any water, have a professional inspect your appliance to make sure it is safe to use.
5. Check all of your appliances to make sure they are in good working condition.
This includes your stove, oven, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and anything else you use daily. If you notice any issues with an appliance, have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
6. It’s a Great Time to Clean Your Clothes Dryer Vent & Lint Trap
Regularly clean your clothes dryer lint trap. Lint is highly combustible and can easily cause a fire if it isn’t removed. Clean your dryer vent and hoses at once a year to remove and prevent any excess lint buildup or blockages.
Outdoor Spring Cleaning Fire Safety Tips
While cleaning up your yard this spring, don’t forget about fire safety. Here are a few outdoor spring cleaning tips to keep in mind:
1. Trim any trees or bushes that are close to your home.
Trimming away any bushes or trees that are too close to your house creates a “defensible space” between your home and potential fire sources. Additionally, if you have dead or dying trees, now is an excellent time to remove them. Dead vegetation is highly flammable and can easily catch fire.
2. Check Your Gas Grill for rust, worn parts, grease, and other debris before use
Grilling is a popular spring and summer activity, but it’s essential to ensure your grill is clean and in safe operational order before firing it up for the first burger of the season. Remove any rust, grease, or debris built up over the winter. Inspect all parts to make sure they are in good working condition. If you notice any worn parts, have them replaced. It’s a great time to check your grill’s propane tank for gas leaks.
3. Move The Grill at least 10ft Away from the House Before Use.
It’s essential to keep your gas grill at least ten feet away from your home when in use. This will help prevent any accidental fires from happening. Additionally, make sure that the area around the grill is clear of any debris or flammable materials.
4. Make sure your home’s address is visible from the street.
If your home’s address is not visible from the street, it will be difficult for emergency responders to find your home in the event of a fire or other emergencies. Make sure that your house number is visible and easy to read from the street. If you need to, repaint or replace your address sign.
Summary
By following these simple tips, you can help reduce the risk of a fire happening in your home. So take some time this spring to clean and declutter – it could just save your life.
As always, if you have any questions about fire safety or fire prevention, you can always call the St. Albans Fire Department at 304-727-2252. We are always happy to help! (Fire Prevention Tips. The cleaning part is your job.)
