Important spring cleaning home fire safety tips from the NFPA:

Fact: Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half.

• Ensure smoke alarms are installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Test them at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps,” warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
• Dual sensor smoke alarms (Ionization & Photoelectric sensors) should be used to replace alarms over ten years old.
• Plan and practice a home escape drill, know how to get out if there is a fire.

Fact: The leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is failure to clean them.

• Clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
• Keep the area around your dryer clear of things that can burn, like boxes, cleaning supplies and clothing.

Fact: Most cooking fires in the home involve the stovetop.

• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
• Always stay in the kitchen when frying on the stovetop.

Fact: Extension cord fires outnumbered fires beginning with permanent or detachable power cords by two-to-one.

• Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use.
• Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets so you don’t have to use extension cords.