12/13/2016
(NAPSI)--About half a million buildings catch fire in the U.S. every year!
Keep your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in good working order all year round.
The change of each season is a timely opportunity to fine-tune your home's fire safety. Keep the home fires from burning your house by heeding these seasonal hints.
Spring
* Clear away dead plants and debris from around the outside of your house.
* If doing your spring-cleaning involves a lot of laundering of clothes and curtains, be sure to clean the lint filter in your dryer before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
* Make sure your dryer's exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Gas dryers should be inspected by a professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact.
* Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.
Summer
* If you set off fireworks, make sure they're legal. Always read the directions and warning labels. Don't light fireworks indoors or near dry grass. Keep a fire extin- guisher handy.
* When cooking outdoors, never add fluid directly onto a lit grill. Never throw water onto the grill. If you're using a charcoal grill, let the coals cool completely before disposing of them. Cover them with water and mix to ensure they're all extinguished.
Fall
* Use battery-operated candles in Halloween jack-o'-lanterns. Make sure children's costumes are made with fire-retardant materials.
* Use caution when burning leaves. Stay clear of the home and any other buildings.
Winter
* Make sure your indoor and outdoor holiday lights are in good repair and used appropriately.
* Have your chimney inspected annually and cleaned when necessary.
* Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out, unwanted material from going in, and to help prevent the possibility of burns to occupants. Be sure the fire is out before going to bed.
* Have your furnace inspected yearly.
* If you use an electric heater, be sure not to overload the circuit.
* Candles are festive for the holidays and romantic on Valentine's Day--but don't leave them burning when you leave the room.
At any time of year, see to it that every level of your home has a working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. Check and clean these monthly and change the batteries twice a year.
