Get the whole household in on the spring cleaning chores As we gear up for spring and tackle those home and yard projects, it’s essential to prioritize fire safety every step of the way. Please check out our helpful safety tips and recommendations to minimize the risk of fires and associated hazards:
Home safety check
- Use our Home Safety Checklist to complete a thorough safety check of your home.
- If you have children in your home, make sure to lock up any items that can start a fire (matches, lighters, cigarettes, etc.) and make sure children (and pets) cannot reach lit candles.
Clear your home clutter in case of emergencies
Ensure all entrances and exits to your home are not blocked by storage or furniture; the locking mechanisms, if permitted, operate easily and everyone can use them.
- In the case of an emergency, firefighters need to access your home quickly and safely. Clutter, and other items in the way of exits and escape routes can slow down a firefighting crew’s ability to respond and rescue.
- When possible, purge items that are no longer needed from your property (inside and outside). Please consider donating instead of throwing items that are in working and wearable condition.
- Many things may be recycled so Check Seattle Public Utilities for guidelines before disposing.
- Always be kind to the environment and dispose flammable and combustible liquids such as paint, solvents, cleaners responsibly. See more information on how to do this here.
- More information on single-family homes and multi-residential buildings access/egress can be found here.
Safe use and storage of gasoline and other flammable/combustible liquids
- Gasoline should only be used as motor fuel, never as a cleaner or to break down grease.
- Store gasoline only in containers designed for that purpose. Never bring gasoline indoors, even in small quantities.
- Store gasoline containers in a locked, secure metal cabinet. Ideally, this cabinet should be in a detached garage or outdoor shed, away from occupied spaces.
- Ensure gasoline containers are tightly capped when not in use to prevent spills and vapors.
- Avoid using combustible liquids near open flames. If spilled on clothing, remove and dry clothing outside. Launder clothing without using a clothes dryer.
- Keep liquids in original containers, tightly capped or sealed. Avoid storing in glass containers. Store all flammable materials in a secure metal cabinet. Ideally, this cabinet should be in a detached garage or outdoor shed, away from occupied spaces.
Handling rags with paint and stain
- Never leave cleaning rags in a pile. Take them outside to dry, away from structures. Hang or spread them on the ground, weighing them down to prevent blowing away.
- Once dried, place rags in a metal container tightly covered with a water and detergent solution to break down oils. Keep these containers in a cool place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Check with Seattle Public Utilities for proper disposal methods. Never put oily rags in a clothes dryer. Download a helpful tip sheet here: https://www.nfpa.org/downloadable-resources/safety-tip-sheets/safety-with-oily-rags-wet-with-flammable-or-combustible-liquid?l=0
Grills/BBQs
- Regularly inspect grills for grease buildup and debris. Clean out any nests or webs.
- Check gas tank hoses for leaks before each use. Watch a helpful grilling safety video here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrrbCcncevEOF2VOaKzGa2tJe5zmfuXK7&si=TH_8izsSNzh4JZGD
Remove debris away from your home
- Properly dispose of branches, weeds, leaves, and other flammable materials.
- Remove leaves and pine needles from gutters and roofs. Keep the area within five feet of the home clear of dead vegetation.
- Read more safety tips about brush and debris fires here: https://fireline.seattle.gov/2020/09/08/urban-brush-fire-prevention/https://fireline.seattle.gov/2020/09/08/urban-brush-fire-prevention/
Dryer safety and cleaning
- Regularly clean the dryer’s air exhaust vent pipe to prevent lint buildup. Ensure outdoor vent flaps are unobstructed.
- Keep flammable substances away from the dryer, and lay out clothes that have contacted such substances to dry outdoors before washing.
Stay safe and keep your home secure with these important precautions!
- Watch our multilingual fire and life safety videos here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrrbCcncevEMicvBZcrKvLsOlzxIJaMjJ&si=dTd57KD4Cpp7lkdH
- More home fire safety information can be found on our website! https://seattle.gov/fire/safety-and-community