Remember Fire Safety in Your Spring Cleaning!
While it may not feel like spring in Chicago yet, it officially is. March 20th was the first day of spring and with the new season comes new ideas for cleaning and freshening up your Chicago condominium. It is very important that you remember fire safety in the process of doing your spring cleaning.
Whether you’re a Chicago condominium owner or a tenant, here are some tips to remember when you go about your spring cleaning.
Check and Change Batteries
Your smoke alarm is the first line of defense when a fire breaks out. It is important that you change the batteries in the alarm and check it once a month to make sure it is working. As a property manager in Chicago, you may want to go ahead and replace units that are getting close to 10 years old. They need to be replaced on a regular schedule and you do not want to take the risk of an alarm not working in an emergency.
Fluids
If you have any sort of combustible fluid, it’s important to know how to store it properly. Make sure that you have the proper storage cabinets in place for all your liquids that are considered combustible. Ensure that they are kept on lower shelves if there’s just a few to reduce the risk of an accident. Also, keep the room at a cooler temperature to ensure safety. The room should be well ventilated and it’s a good idea to have these items stored in a small building away from the home itself.
Electrical Cords
While you’re in the midst of spring cleaning, be sure to check your electrical cords. Let’s face it. Most offices and homes have a variety of electrical cords, a lot of times going into one outlet. Be sure that you organize the cords and use surge protectors to neatly do so. It also helps to reduce the chance of an electrical fire which accounted for over 40,000 fires between 2007 and 2011. If you notice that any cords happen to be damaged or loose in any way, replace them. Don’t take a chance on your Chicago fire safety by leaving them as they are.
Safe Grilling
When the temperatures start to warm up, the BBQ grills start to come out. If your condominium in Chicago allows small grills, make sure to follow all safety precautions. You want to be sure to always use the unit outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Do not use your propane grill until you’ve thoroughly inspected all the hoses and the tank itself before starting it up the first time. If you’re using charcoal, then only utilize charcoal lighter fluid to get it going and do not use other types of liquids. While grilling is a part of spring and summer, it can also lead to dangerous and devastating fires if the proper fire safety in Chicago is not followed.
Always Have an Escape Route
Whether you’re in a condominium or single-resident home, you want to have an escape route in place. It’s also important that you practice the route and what to do in an emergency periodically with your family. It is critical that everyone know the correct fire exit routes and how to proceed if something should happen to your home.
By keeping these fire safety tips in Chicago in mind during your spring cleaning, you can keep your home and your family safe throughout the year. Get ready for warmer temperatures by making sure your home, and your family, are following all the safety guidelines.