Spring-Clean to Get Rid of Fire Hazards | SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

A fire can break out at any time, SERVPRO® of Downtown Charleston is ready to take your call, day or night.

When you think about spring-cleaning, you probably think about sprucing up the house and making it sparkle. But as you clean up this spring, you can also boost your family’s fire safety.

That’s because many fire hazards lurk in plain sight. You walk past them on a daily basis, without ever really thinking about the danger. Taking a close look at your house and cleaning up those hazards this time of year can keep you safer year-round.

Have an hour or so and want to give your house a good hazard-cleaning? Start here:

1. Look for flammable objects in the kitchen. That handy rag you keep near the stove may help you wipe up spills, but it’s also a fire hazard. Nothing flammable should be kept near the stove or other cooking appliances, so clear out the space.
2. Check and put away heating devices. We’re probably past the time of year when you might need a space heater or portable fireplace. Take time to give them a good once-over, looking to ensure the cord isn’t frayed or otherwise damaged. If it is, it’s time to replace the device. If not, store the heater away safely until next winter.
3. Have the fireplace checked and cleaned. Have a fireplace? Now’s a good time to have a professional inspect it, make repairs and clean it out.
4. Clean out the lint trap in the dryer. Hopefully you do this after every load of laundry, but if not, it’s time to remove the lint. Even if you do check it regularly, take time during your spring-cleaning routine to give it a more thorough cleaning.
5. Take a look at your outlets. Are any of them overloaded? Are you using multiple extension cords? Are any of your cords frayed or otherwise damaged? All of these are fire hazards, so make corrections and find replacements.
6. Review your grill placement. You might be ready to fire up the grill, but is your grill in a safe place? Grills should be placed at least 10 feet away from the side of the house and any other flammable surfaces or objects. It should also ideally be near a working water source.
7. Clear the clutter. This is probably already part of your spring-cleaning list, but it’s an important part of preventing fires. When you have piles of clutter, including items such as newspapers, the clutter is a double fire hazard — it can quickly spark in a fire and it can make it more challenging to get out of the house safely if a fire occurs.

Need help cleaning up after a fire sparked in your home? Get in touch today to get your restoration started—we’re here 24/7!*