Spring cleaning time is here again. Remember, a clean house is a safe house. Tioga Fire Protection and Fire Prevention reminds you that trash, boxes, piles of clothes and other combustibles in the home are fuel for fire. Getting rid of them will help reduce the chance of fire in your home.
Clean out storage areas such as garages, attics, closets, sheds and basements on a regular basis. Even warehouses are limited to the amount of storage they can safely keep. Don't allow areas in your home to become tempting fuel for a fire. Throw away or giveaway items you are no longer using. Clutter gives fire a place to start and creates obstacles that might prevent a safe escape.
Oily rags can ignite without a heat source because they produce their own heat. Throw them out or store them in the closed metal container. This includes dusting rags used with a furniture polish or spray.
Spring and summer time present the return of several seasonal fire hazards with activities shifting outdoors.
Among the most common involve cooking grills, wooden decks, and use of gasoline and other flammable liquids.
Tioga Fire Protection and Fire Prevention encourages everyone to consider and use the following list as a "Spring Cleaning Checklist" for around the home:
* Locate grills and any propane tanks/cylinders a safe distance from buildings, wooden decks and other combustibles. Never store propone indoors!
* Check propane gas hose connection is tight and check hoses carefully for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
* Inspect and clean of venturi tubes and burner (check owner’s manual) of gas grills where spiders and small insects may make nests or spider webs. This could lead to a fire. Frequent inspection and cleaning is typically necessary before use.
* Only use charcoal starter fluids designed for grills and do not add fluid after coals have been lit.
* Eliminate dry leaves, combustible storage or other debris from beneath wood decks. Avoid staging trash and other combustible materials on the deck.
* Avoid smoking on a wood deck. If you permit smoking, use suitable disposal containers/ashtrays. Never use paper or plastic cups, napkins etc.
* Store gasoline and other flammable liquids in a building separate from the house or place of residence, such as a secured shed. Never store such liquids or propane cylinders within and attached garage or basement! Always keep out of reach from children.
* Use gasoline only for its intended purpose, as a motor fuel. Handle gasoline outdoors only.
* Replace batteries in smoke alarms.
* Always have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.
Remember:
Keep Your Place Firesafe: Hunt for Home Hazards and ...
Fire Won't Wait...Plan Your Escape!
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; this is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
