April Briggs

Remember fire safety while spring cleaning

Blog Post created by April Briggs Employee on Mar 28, 2013
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Although it might not feel quite like it here in New England, !http://nfpa.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8351b9f3453ef017ee9ce5cb1970d-250wi|src=http://nfpa.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8351b9f3453ef017ee9ce5cb1970d-250wi|alt=Spring-cleaning1|style=width: 250px; margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px;|title=Spring-cleaning1|class=asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8351b9f3453ef017ee9ce5cb1970d!it is officially spring.  With the arrival of spring come blue skies, blooming flowers and spring cleaning.  This is the perfect time for a refresher on fire safety tips that should be followed year-round.  Keeping fire safety in mind when doing things around the house, like cleaning dryer’s lint filter after each load of laundry, will help prevent fires. 


 


 

Important spring cleaning home fire safety tips from the NFPA:


Fact: The leading cause of [home clothes dryer fires | http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=283&URL=Safety%20Information/For%20consumers/Causes/Dryers%20&%20washing%20machines] 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: Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half.



    2. Ensure
      smoke alarms are installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping
      area and on every level of the home, including the basement.

    4. Test them
      at least once a month by pushing the test button.

    6. 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: Most [cooking fires | http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=282&URL=Safety%20Information/For%20consumers/Causes/Cooking] in the home involve the stovetop.



    2. Keep
      anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food
      packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

    4. Always
      stay in the kitchen when frying on the stovetop.


Fact: [Extension cord fires | http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=288&URL=Safety%20Information/For%20consumers/Causes/Electrical/Electrical%20safety%20in%20the%20home] outnumbered fires beginning with
permanent or detachable power cords by two-to-one.



    2. Check
      electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or
      under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use.

    4. 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 .</p>

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