Spring Cleaning Fire Prevention Tips
Don't Just Whistle While You Work: Hunt for Home Hazards While Spring Cleaning this Year.
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Running on Empty?
Refuel gasoline powered equipment well away from sparks or flames, buildings and foliage, and make sure the motor has cooled down before you fill the tank.
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Winter is finally over and it's time to get your home ready for the warmer months ahead. Before you do, Firefighters at the Springfield Fire Company suggest taking a good look around your home. There's a strong chance flammable materials are lurking in many areas. It is important to store and use them properly to avoid the risk of fire.
With yard chores, particularly lawn mowing, right around the corner, Springfield Firefighters urge caution when using and storing gasoline, a flammable liquid that readily gives off vapors easily ignited with a spark or small flame. Gasoline should only be used as a motor fuel, never as a degreaser or cleaning solvent. Using gasoline for any purpose other than as a motor fuel is just too dangerous. If used properly, most gasoline fires are easily avoided.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), on average each year, nearly 8,000 home fires involve gasoline, and result in nearly 150 deaths. Gasoline should only be stored in tightly-capped containers specifically intended for that use, and placed in a garage or lawn shed, never in the basement or home itself.
Springfield Fire Company also points out that commonly used liquids such as lacquer thinners, denatured alcohol, and other solvents, which are often stored in basement workshops, can be easily ignited by a nearby furnace or hot water heater. These liquids should be stored in their original containers, tightly-capped, and used far away from sparks or open flames. Other liquids, including paint thinners, mineral spirits and kerosene, are less easily ignited, but should be treated with the same respect. Finally, hang or spread rags soaked in oils and paint thinners outside to dry and then dispose of them properly.
Improperly stored or used flammable products cause unnecessary fires, injuries and even deaths. Becoming familiar with the hazardous materials around your home can go a long way to protect you and your family.
Take the time now so you and your family will enjoy a fire safe summer.
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