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
• Smoke Detectors
• Fire Extinguishers
• 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.

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.