STATE FIRE MARSHAL RECOMMENDS MARYLANDERS
“SPRING” INTO FIRE SAFETY
PIKESVILLE, MD (March 29, 2011) — Spring-cleaning is an annual ritual for many people.
Just as the first crocus of spring ushers in a new beginning for nature, our spring-cleaning habits
signify a fresh start for us after the long winter months. State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard
suggests that Spring-cleaning can take on another meaning. “It’s the ideal time to check our homes
and yards for dangerous materials and unsafe conditions and to spend the time to protect our
families and our properties.”
Start by taking a few minutes to plan your safety clean up day. You will want to check each
room in your home, including the attic and basement. Also, don’t forget the garage, yard and storage
shed.
Plan to do several different things:
1. Remove All Hazards:
Check and correct things such as:
Frayed or damaged appliance cords, wiring, fuses or breakers.
Piles of rubbish, trash and yard debris.
Remove stacks of paper and magazines; take them to recycling centers.
Check for water leaks, especially near electrical appliances.
Check for adequate clearance between heating appliances and combustibles.
2. Properly Store Flammable Liquids and Home Chemicals:
Make sure that gasoline and cleaning fluids are well marked and are out of the
reach of children and pets. Store in a cool, dry place outside the house.
Clean up work areas. Put dangerous tools, adhesives, matches or other work items
away and out of any child’s reach.
Make sure that all chemicals are kept under lock and key and out of reach of
children and pets.
3. Check Fire Protection and Safety Equipment:
Test your smoke alarms. Do It Now while you’re thinking about it.
Make sure all doors and windows open easily and are accessible for fast escapes.
Make sure your street numbers are posted properly and are visible.
Check and make sure you have a working flashlight and battery-powered radio for
the approaching storm season.
4. Plan Your Escape:
Sit down with your family and make sure that everyone knows what to do in the
event of a fire by designing a home escape plan.
Make sure you have two ways out of every room and that you have a meeting place
outside the home for the whole family.
Practice the plan. Even the best plan is no good if you don’t practice it!
You can do a lot to protect yourself, your family and your property. In fact, you are the key to
your safety. A little time spent on simple common sense prevention will do a lot to make your home
a safer place to live!
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the State of Maryland dedicated to
helping protect citizens from fire and explosion through a comprehensive program of education,
inspection, investigation, and fire protection engineering. For more information on fire and life
safety, call 1-800-525-3124 or log on to our website at www.firemarshal.state.md.us
