Spring cleaning fire safety tips

Throughout the winter months there have been many reports of fire dangers resulting from space heaters, candles, and holiday decorations. Now it’s spring, but that doesn’t mean that the fire risk is behind us.

Safety experts say it’s a good idea, when spring cleaning, to get rid of leftover old stacks of papers, damaged appliance cords and yard debris. Also be sure to check for water leaks, especially near electrical sockets, clean up work areas, properly label gasoline and cleaning products and store them in a cool, dry place. It’s also a good time to check all fire alarms and CO detectors and have your electrical sockets checked out to ensure there are no issues.

Kenny Walston of the Princess Anne Volunteer Fire company says often times residents want to burn old leaves and Walston says that’s ok, but be very careful.

Walston tells 47 ABC, “Contact your local fire department and make sure its ok to burn in your neighborhood and do it safely. Clean the trash out, clean your garage out just give a good spring cleaning.”

And the best tip to keep your family safe? Make sure to have a fire escape plan. Sit down with your family to ensure that everyone knows what to do in case of a fire, check that all doors and windows open properly and have a place to meet outside of the home in case of any emergencies.