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Safety Tips

Spring Safety Tips

With somewhat warmer weather and longer days approaching, this is a good time to take on long neglected projects like spring cleaning, home repairs and yard work.

  • Reduce the amount of clutter inside and outside your home.
    While clutter does not start fires, it can become fuel for a fire.
    • Household and pool chemicals, paints and poisons should be marked and stored out of a child's reach.
    • Dispose of any that are leaking or expired. Make sure gasoline and cleaning fluids are also marked and stored in a cool dry place away from the house and away from children and pets.
    • Use only approved containers for gasoline storage.
    • Common household chemicals can fuel a fire and can also be hazardous to your health. Maintain only the amounts you need and be sure to use, store and dispose of household hazardous materials in a safe manner as outlined on the product.
  • Your medicine cabinet is not meant to be a storage area for all of the medicines that you have ever been prescribed.
    Spring cleaning is a good time to get rid of them and any expired over-the-counter medicines that you may have.
  • Maintain your yard - trim bushes, plants and trees.
    Removing vegetation clears fuel for any potential fire.
    • Keep gutters and roofs clear of leaves and other buildup.
    • Check the kids' play area for sharp objects, poisonous plants, and tripping hazards.
  • Clean up work areas by putting tools and other work items away from children's reach.
    • Remove all fire hazards, including stacks of rags, newspapers and magazines.
    • Pay attention to spaces around your hot water tanks, fire places, space heaters and dryers as well as under stairs.
  • Check your barbeque grill for leaks and cracks and be sure to store any propane tanks at least 10 feet away from your house and garage.
    • Locate grills a safe distance (at least 10 feet) from buildings or wooden decks.
  • Test all your smoke alarms to ensure they are working.
    • Change the batteries at least once a year and the actual smoke alarm every 10 years.

Spring cleaning can improve the safety of your home and family.

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