How to Avoid Fire Hazards During Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is a good time to make a clean sweep of potential fire hazards around your home.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Fireproof Storage Units
- Bow Rakes
- Plastic Garbage Cans
- Smoke Detectors
- Fire Extinguishers
- Combination Smoke/carbon Monoxide Detectors
-
-
1
Avoid storing cleaning materials filled with chemicals under your sink. Clear out old products and dispose of them safely. Opt for natural or nontoxic cleansers.
-
2
Clear out attics, closets and basements stuffed with items that can feed a fire. Old mattresses, boxes, linens and papers are perfect places for a fire to start. Donate items that aren't used to shelters or secondhand stores, and dispose of junk in a safe manner.
-
3
Maintain the yard surrounding your house. Trim bushes, plants and trees, and get rid of large weeds. Removing vegetation clears fuel for any potential fire. Most neighborhoods offer a pickup of yard debris.
-
4
Make sure that any vegetation around the house is at least 10 feet away from your home and chimney.
-
5
Keep gutters and roofs clear of leaves and other buildup.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
In spring and summer months, decreasing amounts of rainfall can lead to dry spots in your yard; take precautions to avoid large areas of dried weeds and vegetation around your home.
If a fire breaks out, get out of the house and call 911 from a neighbor's home.
