Hanford Fire Department          

Clean Up for a Fire Safe Environment

Spring has sprung! The gloom and dreariness of winter is fast becoming a memory and many of us are busy with spring cleaning projects. This is the time of year we begin to cook outdoors, gas up our mowers and trimmers and start those outdoor projects.

Some of those other activities might involve gasoline, paint thinners, and flammable materials. Think about the increased danger of such products as you use them. Treat flammable liquids with respect for they are always ready to ignite -- all they need are a static spark, electrical arc, or other source of ignition.

Here are a few tips that will make your home and garden fire-safe:

  • Place your outdoor cooking equipment on a non-combustible base if at all possible and keep it away from materials, which will readily ignite.
  • Clear a 10-foot area around propane tanks and the barbecue.
  • Place a screen or other type of cover over the grill -- use non-flammable material with mesh no coarser than one-quarter inch.
  • When dumping ashes, put them in a metal bucket and either soak in water or let stand for several days before disposing of them.

Before Cleanup

  • Remove leaves and rubbish from around and under wooden decks or porches, beneath windows, or next to vehicles.
  • Rake up leaves, dead limbs and twigs. Remove dead branches that extend over the roof. Prune tree branches and shrubs within 15 feet of a stovepipe or chimney outlet
  • Mow grass regularly. Spring cleanup makes this Hanford location safer
  • Store gasoline, oily rags and other flammable materials in approved safety cans. Place cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings.
  • Regularly clean roofs and gutters.
  • Inspect chimneys at least twice a year. Clean them at least once a year. Keep the dampers in good working order. Equip chimneys and stovepipes with an approved spark arrester.
  • Use half-inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas and the home itself. Also screen openings to floors, roof and attic.
  • Check your smoke detectors to make sure the batteries are fresh and check your fire extinguishers to make sure they are still charged.

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For questions or comments, please send email to martha_j_rice@rl.gov
Document Number: INTERNET-1053, Rev. 0
DOE logo The Hanford Fire Department is operated by Fluor Hanford, Inc. for the
U.S. Department of Energy, Richland Operations Office.