Following fire safety rules is vital when enjoying the spring weather.
Now that spring is here, homeowners everywhere will want to spend more time outdoors. Following fire safety rules is vital when enjoying the spring weather. Many people will be grilling, camping, and spending time in nature. Fire safety applies to everything fire-related, both indoors and outdoors. You can keep your family safe by incorporating fire safety into your spring cleaning routine. Here are a few fire safety tips to follow this spring.
Test Your Smoke Alarms
Your smoke alarms need to be checked at least once a month. You just need to hold the test button and wait for the siren to sound. If the siren is weak, you should replace the batteries. Try lithium or long-life batteries to reduce how often you need to change them. Talk with your family about your fire escape plan when you do this. Practice the plan to make sure everyone knows what to do if a fire happens.
Clean Dryer Vents
If you run a lot of laundry, your dryer vents must be cleaned out at least once a year, ideally every six months. It is best to hire a professional to clean it out to ensure it’s done correctly. You should also check that the air exhaust vent pipe is not blocked and the flap opens when the dryer runs. Keep any flammable materials, such as boxes or cleaning supplies, away from the dryer.
Maintain Your Yard
Dried leaves can be especially flammable and should be removed from near your household structures, garages, and sheds. Debris is one of the top causes of home fires, but you can reduce the risk with simple yard maintenance. Pay special attention to twigs, branches, and dead plant life that can easily catch fire when dried. Make sure the gutters are clean and that dead leaves or pine needles are eliminated from the roof.
Clean Your Grill
While your grill sits over winter, grease and buildup can harden, making it easy for a fire to start. Before hosting your first springtime barbecue, ensure your grill is working correctly. Inspect it and check for grease or fat buildup, spider webs, and other dirt or debris. If you utilize a gas grill, ensure the propane tank hose has no leaks.
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480.