Day 21. Check Fire and Safety Items

Day 21 of “A 30 Day Guide to Spring Cleaning“.

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I personally know way too many people who have lost their homes to house fires. Not only did they lose their homes, they lost the memories, their documents, their belongings. So many lifelong, irreplaceable items get lost in house fires, and you can’t recover these. You can’t just go out and purchase new items that had sentimental value. Also, could you imagine if you lost a member of your family, or a family pet to something like this? DON’T LET THIS BE YOU.

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Checking your fire and safety items in your home regularly is so important for you and your families safety.

How often should you test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors? Monthly.

How often should you change batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors? Every 6 months.

How often should you review emergency plans with your family? Twice per year is recommended.

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Fire and safety items to check:

• Smoke detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Fire extinguishers
• Electrical items and appliances

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Supplies needed:

Recommended:

• Batteries for replacement
• Screw driver (dependent on model)
• Fire Safety Checklist (click the fire safety checklist for the recommended household fire safety checklist from the Federal Emergency Management Agency)

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https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/fief/up_in_smoke_home_checklist.pdf

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Smoke Detectors

When checking your smoke detectors you will want to ensure it is working properly, and you will want to change out the batteries. If you are working with a hardwired smoke detector, make sure the circuit breaker is off to the area you are working in before changing the battery.

Test your smoke detector

1. Press and hold the “test” button on your detector
2. Hold button until the alarm sounds
3. If the alarm is weak or quiet, it’s likely due to the batteries needing replaced

Replacing the batteries

1. Unscrew the cover of the smoke detector (some require a push latch or screw removal, most just twist off)
2. Locate the battery or battery pack
3. Determine the battery type needed
4. Take out the old batter and recycle
5. Replace with a new battery
6. Test the alarm again

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Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can occur within the home. There are different reasons that Carbon Monoxide may be present in your home, but all the same, this gas is a silent killer. You won’t know that it is present due to it being colorless and odorless, so it’s important to have a well functioning detector.

Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

• Headache
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea/Vomiting

Test your Carbon Monoxide detector:

1. Determine your manufacturers testing instructions (you can find these by looking up the make/model). For common practice, see below:
2. Press and hold the test button
3. Wait for the detector to alarm 4 beeps and pause
4. This should alarm another 4 beeps and pause
5. This pattern will continue for 5-6 seconds
6. If the sound is weak, it’s likely due to the batteries

Replacing the batteries:

1. Unplug the detector (or turn off power if hardwired)
2. Remove the cover plate usually found on the front (some are a push lock while others may need a screw removed)
3. Remove the old batteries and recycle
4. Place the new batteries and replace the cover
5. Plug this unit back in

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Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers have different classes and different uses, so be sure to determine which fire extinguishers are necessary for your area. I won’t go into detail on this portion currently, because this is about checking the fire extinguishers you currently have. There are a few items you will want to check on your fire extinguishers:

1. Accessability
   • Is the fire extinguisher easy to get to and not blocked
2. Locking Pin
   • Assure the locking pin is in tact and in place
3. Physical State
   • Assure there is no corrosion, dents, or damage
4. Pressure Gauge
   • Check the pressure gauge to make sure it is in the “green”
5. Instructions
   • Make sure the instruction tag is visible and facing out

Fire extinguishers do not necessarily expire, so it is important to assure you are checking these for suitability at least yearly, if not monthly.

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Electrical and Appliances

Electrical and appliances are some of the top causes of house fires. You will want to check, at least on a yearly basis, that there are no concerning items with your electrical and appliances. There are a few items you can check as a general overview as signs of caution.

1. Assure all cords are in good condition and not frayed or cut
2. Assure there are no visible “burn” marks around outlet entrances
3. Assure outlets are not warm to the touch
4. Verify that the lint trap is being cleaned regularly, and clean this deeper if needed
5. Check that all appliances are using proper plugs, and not run through extension cords

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If you have any questions, feel free to post them in the comments and I would be happy to get back with you.

Check out Day 20. Clean/Organize Drawers and Cabinets here.

Check out Day 22. Deep Clean Toilets and Wash Shower Curtains here.

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