Spring cleaning safety tips Published May 23, 2011 By 17th Civil Engineer Squadron GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Spring has arrived and summer is right around the corner. The cold weather has passed and most of us are thinking of our favorite spring and summer activities like barbecues, outdoor sporting events, home improvements, yard work and the ever dreaded "spring cleaning". This is an ideal time to check for unsafe conditions in and around the home and to ensure your families are safe from any potential fire hazards. The Goodfellow Fire Prevention section offers the following safety tips: Clean your garage of stored newspapers or other rubbish that can fuel a fire. Newspapers stored in a damp, warm place may ignite spontaneously. Test your smoke alarms monthly. To help prevent nuisance alarms, gently vacuum your smoke alarm every six months or as needed. Change batteries in smoke alarms, flashlights and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years or as recommended by the manufacturer. Plan your escape. Visit with family, friends or co-workers and discuss what to do in the event of a fire and identify a meeting place outside the house or work area. Recycle: Dispose of old newspapers, magazines and junk mail. Vacuum and clean behind furniture and appliances. Check your electrical fuse box and make sure you have the proper fuses. Check all appliances and extension cords for frayed and damaged wiring. Clean your oven and stove; accumulative grease, oil and crumbs may ignite. Plug cooking appliances directly into wall outlets. Do not use extension cords or surge protectors with cooking appliances. Keep outdoor debris or dead vegetation away from the house. Remove accumulated leaves and trash from carports and garages. These are dangerous if exposed to heated automobile components especially under the vehicle. Properly dispose of oily or greasy rags. If these items must be stored, they should be kept in labeled, sealed metal containers. 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. Always store paint and other flammable liquids in their original, labeled containers with tight-fitting lids. Always store them at least 18 inches from appliances, heaters, pilot lights and other sources of heat or flame. To request a courtesy home hazard assessment or if you have any questions on fire safety issues, please call (325) 654-5577.
