Spring cleaning tips

As spring warms up, it’s time to clean up after the long winter, make those repairs around the home, pull the weeds, clean up the yard all to get ready for summer.

Here are few safety thoughts to help make your spring experience much more enjoyable.

 

Inside the Home:

• Check and clean your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

• Check / inspect your fire extinguishers

• Check for overloaded or damaged extension cords

• Be prepared for storm related outages (make sure your flashlights and portable radios have batteries and that other supplies, such as bottled water, are stocked and available)

• Practice exit drills with your family so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency

• Properly store household chemicals in original containers and never mix cleaning agents

Outside and Around the Yard:

• Make sure your address numbers are up and visible from the street

• Clean up yard debris. Cut back dead limbs and grasses

• Maintain a clear ‘fire zone’ of 10′ around structures. Clean up leaves and debris and consider using stone or non-combustible mulches

• Check outdoor electrical outlets and other electrical appliances

• Get your grill cleaned and serviced. Check all propane tanks and lines for leaks and damage

• Keep 100′ of garden hose with an attached nozzle connected and ready for use

In the Garage or Shed:

• Clean up and properly store paints and solvents

• Store pool and yard chemicals away from paints and solvents

• Check fuels containers for leaks and make sure they are properly stored

• Clean and service all outdoor equipment to have them ready for use