Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Spring Cleaning Checklist with Reminders for Fire Safety

SERVPRO of Sarpy County would like to point out that along with regular Spring Cleaning, it's a timely reminder to take steps to keep your home safe from the threat of fire.

According to NFPA, roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or non-working smoke alarms.  SERVPRO of Sarpy County would like to remind everyone that  a great time to change the batteries in their smoke alarms is during your regular Spring Cleaning activities.

"Spring is the perfect time for a refresher on fire safety tips that should be followed year-round to make home fires less likely to happen," said Lorraine Carli, NFPA's vice president of communications. "Keeping fire safety in mind when adding things to a to-do list, like cleaning a dryer's lint filter after each load of laundry and keeping the stovetop clean and clear of clutter, will prevent fires."

Important spring cleaning home fire safety tips from the NFPA:

Fact: Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half.
  • Ensure smoke alarms are installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
  • Test them at least once a month by pushing the test button.
  • Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm "chirps," warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
Fact: The leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is failure to clean them.
  • Clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
  • Keep the area around your dryer clear of things that can burn, like boxes, cleaning supplies and clothing.
Fact: Most cooking fires in the home involve the stovetop.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire - oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains - away from your stovetop.
  • Always stay in the kitchen when frying on the stovetop.
Fact: Extension cord fires outnumbered fires beginning with permanent or detachable power cords by two-to-one.
  • Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use.
  • Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets so you don't have to use extension cords.
For more fire safety tips, visit www.nfpa.org/safetytips.

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