JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
With the arrival of spring comes blue skies, blooming bluebonnet flowers and of course - spring-cleaning.
This is the perfect time for a refresher on fire safety tips that should be followed all year long. Keeping fire safety in mind when doing things around the house, such as cleaning a dryer's lint filter after each load of laundry, will help prevent fires.
Smoke alarm facts:
· Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of reported home fires.
· Ensure smoke alarms are installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
· Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
· Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm "chirps," the battery is low and should be replaced immediately.
Dryer lint facts:
· The leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is failure to clean dryer lint filters.
· Clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
· Keep the area around your dryer clear of things that can burn like boxes, cleaning supplies and clothing.
Cooking fire facts:
· Most cooking fires in the home involve the stovetop.
· Keep anything that can catch fire - oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains - away from your stovetop.
· Always stay in the kitchen when frying on the stovetop.
Extension cord facts:
· Extension cord fires outnumbered fires beginning with permanent or detachable power cords by two times.
· Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use.
· Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets so you don't have to use extension cords.
To learn more about spring cleaning home fire safety tips, call the fire prevention offices at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston at 221-2727, JBSA-Lackland at 671-2921 or JBSA-Randolph at 652-6915.