Spring cleanup for fire safety

  • Published
  • By 341st Civil Engineer Squadron Fire & Emergency Services
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Spring is a timely reminder to make repairs around the house after a long winter and to keep your home safe from the threat of fire. In an effort to make this "Spring Cleanup" a fire-safe one, here are some helpful tips:

Inside the home
· Change batteries in smoke alarms every six months, and check/test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
· Check your fire extinguishers.
· Check for overloaded or damaged extension cords.
· Clean your garage of stored newspapers or other rubbish that can fuel a fire.
· Gently vacuum your smoke alarm every six months or as needed to prevent nuisance alarms.
· Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years or as recommended by the manufacturer.
· Practice exit drills with your family so everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.

Outside and around the yard
· Make sure your address numbers are up and visible from the street. To test this, ask a neighbor or friend to see if they can spot them to make sure they are visible for emergency responders.
· Keep outdoor debris or dead vegetation away from the house.
· If you store gasoline, keep it outside your home in a shed or detached garage.
Keep only small quantities in tightly sealed containers. Use gasoline only as a motor fuel -- never as a cleaning agent.
· Ensure your barbecue grill is cleaned and serviceable prior to use.
· Use outdoor barbecue grills with caution. Place in a safe area at least 15 feet away from building, windows, heating, ventilation and air conditioning units or places with high/dead vegetation.
· Never use gasoline to start the grill fire, and don't add charcoal lighter fluid once the fire has started.
· Use barbecue grills outside only and away from combustibles. Never use grills under overhangs or balconies.
· Check your propane barbecue grill hose for leaks and cracks. Never store propane indoors.
· Check local regulations for open burning regulations prior to outside fires.

If you have any questions or would like clarification on any fire safety tips, please call the Fire & Emergency Services Fire Prevention Office at (406) 731-4836 or 731-4100.