Spring Cleaning for Tidiness and Safety

Sure, it’s great to open up the windows and air out the house on an early spring day, to clean the glass and wash away the dark grime of winter. Mopping the floors, washing and rehanging the blinds, wiping the baseboards, deep cleaning the corners of each room—all important tasks that should be part of your annual checklist. All are excellent ways to improve the air quality of your home and to lift your mood after the long winter.

But there are some other benefits to incorporating more activities into your spring cleaning regimen. Consider the following options to ensure you home is not only cleaner, but safer each year.

Declutter

Recycling excess mail, work papers, magazines, books, and similar items is a great way to cut back on dust and excess clutter, but also to greatly reduce fire hazards in your home. Switching to electronic versions of communications and resisting the urge to print documents when possible can also cut back on clutter, as well as save paper. For any important paper documents that must be saved, consider renting a safety deposit box at your local bank or buying a fire-proof safe to both organize and store them.

Another big culprit that causes clutter is excess clothing. If you don’t wear it, give it away or donate it! Many organizations, such as the Purple Heart, will pick up items at your home. If you live in a climate with seasonal changes requiring more than one wardrobe, make sure to store your off-season items folded or hung neatly in closed containers, closets, or dresser drawers.

These actions won’t only make your home look better and help keep you organized, they will literally keep items from feeding the fire if one happens to break out in your home.

Disinfect

Be careful with your cleaning products. Remember to store them out of the reach of children and pets. Open a window or ventilate when using products, and NEVER mix them, as reactions can cause hazardous and deadly chemicals.

Test

Speaking of fire, spring is also the time to test the smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide alarms throughout your house and to replace used batteries. When testing, make sure all alarms can be heard throughout the house. Check the expiration dates on fire extinguishers and make sure they are in working order. All homes should be equipped with at least one working extinguisher in the kitchen, the source of most fires.

If you home is in a flood zone or prone to flooding, consider purchasing a water leak sensor, which will sound an alarm if water begins to pool in your home. Water damage can be exceedingly damaging and costly, so any alarm prices would be minimal in comparison.

Prepare

Perhaps the most important advice is to be prepared in the event of an emergency. Have a fire escape plan and make sure all members of your household are made aware, including small children. Plan two routes out of the house in the event one is blocked by fire, and have a meet-up point outside the home.

Make sure you have an easily accessible emergency kit in your home, especially now that spring storm season is approaching. Include water, rations, first aid supplies, candles, lighter or matches, medications, and a battery-operated radio. Test and restock regularly.

By Colleen Woods-Esposito