As summer approaches thoughts turn to cleaning up from the long winter, making repairs around the home and enjoying the outdoors. Keeping a few safety thoughts in mind will help you make your spring experience much more enjoyable.

Inside the Home:

• Check and clean your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Check your fire extinguishers
• Check for overloaded or damaged extension cords
• Prepare for storm related outages (make sure your flashlights and portable radios have batteries and that other supplies, such as bottled water, are stocked and available)
• Practice exit drills with your family so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency
• Properly store household chemicals and never mix cleaning agents
  

Outside and Around the Yard:

• Make sure your address numbers are up and visible from the street
• Clean up yard debris. Cut back dead limbs and grasses
• Maintain a clear ‘fire zone’ of 10′ around structures. Clean up leaves and debris and consider using stone or non-combustible mulches
• Check outdoor electrical outlets and other electrical appliances
• Get your grill cleaned and serviced. Check all propane tanks and lines for leaks and damage
• Keep 100′ of garden hose with an attached nozzle connected and ready for use

In the Garage or Shed:

• Clean up and properly store paints, pool and yard chemicals
• Check fuels containers for leaks and make sure they are properly stored
• Have all power equipment cleaned, serviced and readied for use