Fire prevention includes spring cleaning

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Baseball season has arrived, which means it is spring, and also time to do some spring cleaning.

For many people, late March or early April serves as a painful reminder that it is time to work on spring cleaning. As many begin the laboring task of cleaning and clearing the debris that accumulated over the winter months, Shaw's fire prevention team recommends that residents add home fire safety to your checklist.

Consider the following fire safety tips to assist you in fire proofing your home safely during the spring season:

• Check and clean your smoke/carbon monoxide detector (remember to change batteries whenever the time changes);
• Have your fire extinguisher checked by a certified technician;
• Make sure all fire exits or escape routes that are identified in your fire escape drill are clear of any debris and are not blocked-off;
• Inspect your charcoal/gas grills (clean it out and degrease).

You should also consider the following safety tips while you are at it:

• Make sure electrical outlets and extension cords are not overloaded;
• Place cribs, playpens and other furniture away from the window and accessible drapery cords. Children can climb up on furniture and fall out of the window or get strangled in the cords;
• Have air conditioning units and other electrical appliances checked by a licensed professional;
• Clear your basement and attics from old papers, oily rags and broken furniture;
• Spread mulch at least a foot away from the house with a non-combustible barrier in between, such as rock;
• Choose nontoxic products for your spring cleaning. Make sure all cleaning products are stored in child safety latched drawers and cabinets with the original labels.

These tips were brought to you by your local fire prevention team. Call 895-4600 for questions or advice.