Spring Into Action: Cleaning Tips Plus Fire & Emergency Prep | Jacqueline Felix*
As we step into Spring, many will conduct routine spring-cleaning activities in their homes. From clearing out garages and closets, to deep cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, and everything in between, this is a helpful reminder of cleaning safety precautions and an opportunity to conduct safety inspections of safety features in your home.
Household Cleaning
Everyone loves a clean home; remember safety matters too—always store, use, and handle household cleaning products properly to protect your family. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper use of products. Never mix cleaning products, especially bleach or bleach containing products with cleaners containing ammonia as they can create hazardous gases. Wear gloves and protective eyewear to protect skin and eyes while using these products. Keep areas well-ventilated during cleaning by opening windows and doors, and afterward properly dispose of all products used.
https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/cleaning-supplies-household-chem
https://www.ohsu.edu/oregon-poison-center/household-products
Smoke Alarms
Install and maintain smoke alarms. Smoke alarms can be lifesavers, giving your household the warning needed to escape a fire. Make sure they are in working order by testing them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A properly working smoke alarm should make a loud piercing sound when tested. If the sound is weak, or no sound is made, it might be time to change out the batteries for a new set. Is your smoke alarm making an annoying “chirp”? Don’t ignore the “chirp” as this a is a warning of low battery and new batteries should be installed as soon as possible.
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prepare-for-fire/smoke-alarms/
https://www.nfpa.org/en/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/smoke-alarms
Fire Extinguishers
A fire extinguisher gives you the power to control or put out small fires and keep your home safe until help arrives. Confirm fire extinguishers in your home are not blocked and are easily accessible. Conduct a visual inspection of fire extinguishers ensuring they are free of physical damage, such as dents or rust, safety seals are intact, and proper pressure is displayed on the pressure gauge. Most importantly, learn how to use a fire extinguisher using the “PASS” (Pull-Aim-Squeeze- Sweep) steps. Check with your local fire department for classes on how to properly use a fire extinguisher. If you do not have a fire extinguisher in your home, this is the perfect opportunity to get one. Unsure of where to get started? Check out the resources provided for more information:
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prepare-for-fire/fire-extinguishers/
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/fire-extinguishers
Emergency Kits
Emergency kits maybe something no one thinks about but are relieved to have when an emergency strikes. Audit your current emergency kit for expired items such as food and medicines or addition of new items to your kit. If you do not have an emergency kit, make it a point to build one. Emergencies can be declared or come without warning, and a well-prepared kit will provide the needed essentials during an event. Food, water, first aid supplies, pet food, flashlight/batteries, and phone chargers are just a few items stocked in an emergency kit. An emergency kit should have enough supplies to last several days. For additional tips on emergency kits, or preparedness tools, visit the following resources:
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/preparedness/prepare/pages/index.aspx
https://www.oregon.gov/oem/Documents/B2WR-Complete-Tool-Kit-EN.pdf
*Jacqueline Felix is a SERV-OR Volunteer and a member of the Bulletin Development Team