When you begin your spring cleaning this year, keep fire safety in mind to avoid any unexpected problems.
The beautiful weather we’ve been having lately might be getting you in the mood for spring cleaning and home improvement projects you’ve been putting off all winter. When it comes time to start clearing out the clutter and giving your home a facelift, remember to do so with fire safety in mind.
Gasoline
The weather is warming up, and everyone is getting their lawnmowers ready to roll. That means there’s probably gasoline in the garage or around the home. This is likely also true for anyone with recreational vehicles or anyone who prefers to have some gasoline stored away, just in case. There are a few things to remember when handling gasoline around the home.
- Do not use it as a cleaning agent—only use it as a fuel source.
- Do not store it indoors—keep it in a shed or detached garage.
- Store it in containers made specifically to hold gasoline.
- Always check that the lid is closed tightly when not in use.
Following these simple tips will keep your home safe from a fire that is fueled by gasoline.
Rag Disposal
Spring is one of the best times of the year to undertake painting and staining projects. During these projects, it’s common for a lot of rags to get covered in paint and stain. If these are oil-based (many of them are), they will release heat as they dry and present a fire hazard.
To allow these rags to dry safely, lay them on the ground outside, away from your home, with rocks or other heavy non-flammable objects to hold them down and prevent them from blowing away. Once they have dried, you can put them in a metal container with water and detergent to break down the oils—make sure this container is tightly sealed while they soak. If you’re storing rags that have oil-based paint or stain on them, store them in a cool area that does not get direct sunlight or exposure to heat sources.
Dryer
Check your dryer vent for blockages, and make sure that the outdoor vent flap is able to open while the dryer is in use. This allows the heat to escape from the home, so it’s a critical safety feature. It’s also important to keep any flammable items away from the dryer and store these in other areas.
If you have clothing that has been exposed to flammable or combustible liquids, or oil-based paint or stain, remember that these liquids are a fire hazard and should not be exposed to the heat of a dryer. Allow these clothing items to fully dry outside before bringing them in and laundering them per usual.
Fire Protection Services from Fireline
Whether you need smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or an automatic sprinkler system installed at your commercial property, Fireline has you covered. We have been protecting people and property from fire damage since 1947—and our experience shows in our excellent work! We are known for our superb customer service, our expertise, and our reliability. For more information on how we can help your residential or commercial property, visit us online or give us a call at (800) 553-3405. We are in Baltimore, MD, with a second office in Leesburg, VA. For more fire safety tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.