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Spring clean up tips from JB MDL Fire Services

  • Published
  • By William J. Ferguson
  • 87th Civil Engineer Squadron
JOINTBASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Spring is right around the corner and it's time to clean out all the clutter that has accumulated over the winter months. Longer days of sunshine and warmer temperatures will give people more time to spend outside with family and friends. To make this spring safe and enjoyable there are a few things people need to do to get started.

Go through the home room by room and thoroughly clean each. Rooms don't have to be done all at once. Set up a schedule and stick to it.

Get rid of unneeded and unwanted items. Have a yard sale or give them away. Household cleaners, chemicals or paint must be properly disposed of according to base housing rules and regulations. Remember, many items can't simply be thrown in dumpsters.

Here's a quick checklist to make things go smoothly for springtime fun:

HOME
- Grills should never be left unattended or operated by children.
- Use barbecue grills outside only - not under overhangs or balconies and away from combustibles.
- Never fill a hot engine with gasoline.
- Dispose of smoking materials and charcoal properly.
- Blow out candles before leaving a room.
- Open burning and fireworks are prohibited on base.
- Practice a home escape plan.
- Change batteries in smoke alarms, flashlights and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Never borrow smoke alarm batteries to use for toys or other equipment.
- Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Check your electrical fuse box; make sure you have the proper fuses.
- Keep outdoor debris or dead vegetation away from the house.
- Properly dispose of oily or greasy rags. If these items must be stored, they should be kept in    labeled, sealed, metal containers.
- Clean your garage of stored newspapers or other rubbish that can fuel a fire. Newspapers stored in a damp, warm place may ignite spontaneously.
- If storing gasoline, keep it outside the home in a shed or detached garage. Keep only small quantities in tightly sealed containers. Use gasoline only as a motor fuel - never as a cleaning agent.

WORK
- Check fire extinguishers for serviceability monthly.
- Keep flammable storage lockers neat and closed.
- No flammable storage in stairwells.
- No storage in boiler rooms.
- Don't overload electrical circuits.
- Replace cracked or broken outlet covers.
- Test emergency lights monthly.
- Make sure all exit doors open easily for fast escapes.

Remember these safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable spring.

For more information, contact the Joint Base Fire Prevention Office at (609) 754-2451.