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JBSA News
NEWS | May 4, 2012

Focus on fire safety during spring cleaning

Spring is here and for many people this means it's time for spring cleaning.

It's also the time to keep safety in mind, according to officials at the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Fire Department, who offer the following tips:

Filters

- Check the furnace filter once a month and replace or clean as needed. Some filters are reusable and may be removed, washed with a hose and re-inserted. A dirty filter lowers the efficiency of heating and cooling systems, increases costs, and can cause fires.
- Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter. Keeping the area clean of cooking grease can prevent a stovetop fire from spreading.

Electrical system

- Look for burn marks at the main electrical panel; they can be a sign of arcing inside the panel, often caused by loose connections or damaged insulation, which can easily lead to a fire. Only a qualified electrician should remove the front panel cover.
- Trip and reset the circuit breakers regularly.
- Remove combustible materials such as paper boxes or flammable liquids from the area near the main electrical panel. Sparks caused by arcing inside the panel can ignite materials stored nearby.
- Check all electrical outlets for loose-fitting plugs, an indication of a worn out receptacle. Worn receptacles can cause overheating and fires and should be replaced.
- Have a qualified electrician diagnose and fix any switches, outlets, or receptacles that aren't working. Electrical outlets and switches that aren't working properly can cause fires inside the walls of your house.
- Install safety covers to help protect children from electrical shock. Any appliance or tool that gives even the slightest shock should be unplugged and checked by an electrician or repair shop.

Light bulbs

Make sure light bulbs are the correct wattage recommended by the light fixture manufacturer. If the wattage limit of a fixture is exceeded, heat produced inside the fixture can lead to fire inside the fixture, ceiling or wall.

Air conditioner

Air conditioning systems should be regularly inspected and maintained by a professional air conditioning contractor. Maintenance should include:
- cleaning the evaporator coil,
- lubricating fans and motors,
- tightening or changing the belts,
- checking electrical safeties,
- checking the drain pan for leaks
- testing the capacitors,
- checking the condensate drain
- testing the crankcase heater,
- calibrating the thermostat,
- visually checking the wiring for potential short circuits,
- checking the condensation hose for blockage;
- cleaning the outside condensing unit screen of leaves, and
- listening for unusual noises.

Water heaters

- Check to make sure gas-fired water heaters are venting properly; improper ventilation can cause carbon monoxide and other combustibles to build up in the home. Light a match next to the vent and wave it out; don't blow it out. The smoke should be pulled up into the vent; if it isn't, have a professional inspect and repair the heater.
- Check around the base of the water heater for evidence of leaks. If the water heater is more than five years old, it should be checked monthly for any leakage or rusting at the bottom. If water leakage or rust is found, the water heater should be replaced.

Clothes dryer

Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer. Poor maintenance allows lint to build up in the exhaust duct and cause fire.

General safety

- Replace all brittle, worn, or damaged extension cords. Exposed wires may cause arcing, which will produce heat and can start a fire. Care should also be taken to keep appliances and their power cords away from water or a heat source because this will damage the cord's insulation.
- Review fire escape plans with your family.
- Always have a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible. Make sure it is Underwriters Laboratories, or UL, listed or Factory Mutual, or FM, approved, and check the gauges to make sure they are charged and ready to use.
- Inspect and clean dust from the covers of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. (Courtesy, Lackland Fire Department)