Spring clean 2009

Spring is usually the time when people spruce up their homes with an annual spring clean and remove unwanted household items. It's also the perfect time to identify and remove some potential fire hazards in the home, kitchen, garage, garden and shed.

This month the NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) is encouraging households to remove household clutter that could cause a fire to burn more rapidly or block a vital escape route in the home.

As part of a good spring clean it's also important to:

get rid of any piles of newspapers and magazines, unwanted furniture and other unwanted objects which could fuel a fire or block exit and escape points;
check power points and power boards to make sure they are not overloaded and inspect electrical cords and equipment for damage;
ensure garden and household chemicals are locked away; check the manufacturers' instructions on the containers regarding their storage and use and contact the local council about discarding unwanted chemicals.

These simple steps, coupled with working smoke alarms and a rehearsed home escape plan, should ensure that the home is not only cleaner and tidier this spring but also safer from fire and chemical hazards.

For more information on spring cleaning for fire safety contact your local fire station. Our firefighters are here to help.

Spring clean 2009

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