Spring is finally here on Prince Edward Island. Add the following tasks to your spring cleaning “to do” list to ensure your home is safe and free of fire hazards. Thanks to the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs for putting this together.
- Ensure your address number is visible from the road. Remove debris that could obstruct the view of first responders.
- Clean out filters above your stove.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms; replace batteries immediately if they are dead. Replace entire units for smoke alarms more than 10 years old, or CO alarms more than 5 to 7 years old.
- Ensure you have an emergency preparedness kit in case of events, such as power outages or floods. Hurricane season isn’t far away!
- Pull out the fridge and dust or vacuum the coils. Temporarily unplug the fridge so there is no power running through the coils when you are cleaning them.
- Practise your home escape plan so everyone in the household knows what to do in a fire. Windows should be checked to ensure they open and close properly, in case they are needed as an exit. Clean out stairs and landings clear so they are accessible during an evacuation in the case of an emergency.
- Check outdoor electrical outlets and other electrical appliances for animal nests and to ensure proper wiring.
- Get rid of old newspapers, magazine and junk mail by recycling them. These items tend to pile up and can greatly contribute to the severity and spread of fire.
- Clean up and properly store paints, pool and yard chemicals.
- Check fuels containers for leaks and make sure they are properly stored.
- Remove leaves and trash from carports and garages: Combustible materials are dangerous if they are exposed to heated automobile components, especially under the vehicles.
