Ensure fire safety during spring cleaning

  • Published
  • By John Gilmore
  • Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Prevention
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Spring-cleaning is an annual ritual for many people. Just as the first crocus of spring ushers in a new beginning for nature, our spring-cleaning habits signify a fresh start for us after the long winter months. 

Spring-cleaning can take on another meaning. It's the ideal time to check our homes and yards for dangerous materials and unsafe conditions, and to spend the time to protect our families and homes. 

Start by taking a few minutes to plan your safety clean up day. You will want to check each room in your house, including the basement (if you have one). Also, don't forget the garage, yard and storage shed. 

Plan to do several different things:
Identify all hazards.
 Repair frayed or damaged appliance cords, wiring, fuses or breakers.
 Remove piles of rubbish, trash and yard debris.
 Remove stacks of paper and magazines; take them to recycling centers.
 Check for water leaks, especially near electrical appliances.
 Check for good clearance between heating appliances and combustibles.
 Clean up work areas. Put dangerous tools, adhesives, matches or other work items away and out of any child's reach. 

Properly store flammable items and home chemicals
 Make sure gasoline and cleaning fluids are well marked and out of the reach of children and pets. Store them in a cool, dry place outside the house.
 Inventory all home and yard chemicals, paints and poisons. Store them according to their label. Properly dispose of any that are expired or leaking or that look bad but don't throw them in the trash or down the drain.
 Make sure that all chemicals are kept under lock and key, and out of reach of children and pets. 

Check fire protection and safety equipment.
 Check your smoke detector. Do it now while you're thinking about it. If you need help checking your detector, call the fire department. Most importantly, make sure your smoke detector works.
 Check your home fire extinguisher for serviceability and placement.
 Make sure all doors and windows open easily for fast escapes. Make sure your street numbers are posted properly and are visible on your home.
 Check and make sure you have a working flashlight and battery-powered radio for the approaching storm season. 

Plan an escape route
 Sit down with your family and make sure that everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire. Review your home family escape plan.
 Make sure you have two ways out of every room and that you have a meeting place outside the house for the whole family.
 Practice the plan. Even the best plan is no good if you don't practice it. 

You can do a lot to protect yourself, your family and your home. In fact, you are the key to your safety. A little time spent on simple common-sense prevention will do a lot to make your house a safer place. Call the fire department at 731-4100, 4089 or 4836. We can show you more ways that you can protect yourself all year long.