Spring Time Fire Safety

Well, it’s that time of year again--the Final Four is approaching, the seemingly relentless onslaught of pollen, ever later sunsets and of course, the annual ritual of spring cleaning.  As you take a walk through your home and develop your spring cleaning plan of attack, remember to take in account the following fire safety tips.

Make Your Home Safe from Fires

• Check your detectors; clean, test, and change your batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 
• Check fire extinguishers for proper type and placement.
• Use barbecue grills with caution. Never use gasoline to start the fire, and don't add charcoal lighter fluid once the fire has started. 
• Use barbecue grills outside only; not on porches, balconies, or under overhangs or carports.
• Barbecues grills should be a minimum of 10 feet away from a house. 
• Check your propane grill hose for damage and never store propane indoors. 
• When cooking outside, ensure you have a fire extinguisher, a five gallon bucket of water, or a garden house readily available. 
• Cut vegetation to a minimum of 20 feet away from your house and all the way to the ground.

Remove All Hazards.

• Replace frayed or damaged appliance cords, wiring, fuses, or breakers.
• Dispose of rubbish, trash, and yard debris.
• Check for water leaks, especially near electrical appliances.
• Check for appropriate clearance between heating appliances and combustibles.

Properly Store Flammable Liquids and Home Chemicals

• Make sure gasoline and cleaning fluids are well marked and are out of the reach of children and pets. Store in a cool, dry place outside the house.
• Clean up work areas. Put dangerous tools, matches, or other work items away and out of reach of children.
• Make sure all chemicals are kept under lock and key and out of reach of children and pets.

Plan Your Escape

• Sit down with your family and ensure everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire.
• Make sure you have two ways out of every room and you have a meeting place outside the house for the whole family.
• Practice the plan; even the best plan will fail if you don't practice it!

You can do much to protect yourself, your family, and your property. In fact, you are the key to your safety. A little time spent on fire prevention will go a long way to make your home a safer place.  We are here to help you! Please call us at the Moody Fire Prevention Office at (229) 257‑4410 for more information