As you start planning your spring-cleaning projects, keep fire safety in mind when deciding which projects to take on.
Indoors
- While cleaning your dryer’s lint filter before each load is recommended, it’s also a smart idea to clean the lint out of your vent pipe every few months and even by a professional every year. This is especially recommended if you notice your clothes are taking longer to dry than usual.
- You’ve heard about changing the batteries in smoke and CO alarms, but have you ever actually cleaned them? Dust, cobwebs, and other particles can get inside your alarms and cause them to malfunction. The next time you test your alarms, remove and clean them with a vacuum or compressed air.
Outdoors
- Before rolling out your grill for the season’s first barbecue, clean your grease trap and check to see if any debris made its way into the grill during storage. If you have a gas grill, check the hoses for any leaks or cracks.
- When cleaning out your garage, discard any stored paper or other garbage that can fuel a fire. And also be sure to clean up any dead leaves or other clutter from your deck and porch, especially if they are blocking exit or entry points.
Learn more about fire safety on the National Fire Protection Association website.