State Fire Marshal Offers Fire Prevention Tips to Help Ohioans Spring Into Safety

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Spring has officially arrived, and for many Ohioans, that means it’s time to start spring cleaning in and around their homes. While much attention is often paid to a home’s appearance, the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal urges all Ohioans to use this time to also improve their home’s safety.

“Keeping fire prevention and safety in mind during your spring-cleaning routine can go a long way in keeping your home and loved ones safe,” State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said. “By adding some simple items to your to-do list, such as reducing clutter, clearing debris, and properly maintaining appliances, you can help prevent fires from occurring in and around your home.”

To help reduce the risk of fire in the months ahead, Ohioans should incorporate the following safety recommendations into their spring-cleaning activities:

Clean Out Your Clothes Dryer

• Make sure the exhaust pipe for your dryer is not restricted and that the outdoor vent flap opens properly when the dryer is in operation.
• Move flammable items, like boxes and cleaning supplies, away from the dryer.
• Clothes that have come into contact with flammable substances, like gasoline, should not be washed until they’ve first been set outside to dry. Once dry, they can be washed and dried as usual.

Declutter to Reduce Fire Risks

• Assess your home, as well as that of your loved ones, to ensure excessive storage or hoarding is not restricting their ability to navigate their home. This is a fire risk to residents and first responders alike. If you suspect hoarding to be an issue, Ohioans are encouraged to have conversations with their loved ones to ensure they stay safe. Additional information on hoarding and fire safety is available from the U.S. Fire Administration.
• Make sure hallways and doorways, especially exterior doorways, are easily accessible and clear.
• Ensure all items are kept at least three feet from heat sources, including hot water heaters and furnaces.

Clear Outdoor Debris

• Remove leaves, pine needles, and other flammable materials from the roof, gutters, and under decks to prevent embers from bonfires, grills and other items from potentially igniting your home.
• Remove dead vegetation located within five feet of your home and dispose of branches, weeds, leaves, pine needles, and grass clippings appropriately.
• Move construction materials, trash, and woodpiles to at least 30 feet away from your home.

Check Your Grill

• Inspect your grill carefully and make sure it is free of grease or fat buildup that has accumulated.
• Clean out any nests, spiderwebs, or other debris that may be inside the grill.
• For propane or natural gas grills, check the gas hose for any leaks before using the grill.

Properly Use and Store Gasoline

• Only use gasoline as motor fuel.
• Only store gasoline in an approved container that is sold for that purpose, and make sure the container is tightly capped when not in use. 
• Never store gasoline containers in a basement or an occupied part of the home. These containers should be kept in a detached garage or shed.

By incorporating these tips and guidelines into your spring-cleaning routine, you can help ensure your home is safer from fire risks.

The State Fire Marshal also encourages Ohioans to use this time to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries, if needed. Smoke and CO alarms should be tested monthly to ensure they are properly sounding. If a smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, it should be discarded and replaced.

With warmer temperatures and longer days ahead, this is also a good time to develop and practice a fire escape plan for your family. Escape plans are critical to make sure every individual inside your home knows what to do and where to meet outside in the event a smoke alarm sounds. Additional fire prevention resources are available on the State Fire Marshal’s website.