Daylight Saving Time means setting the clocks forward and it's a chance to consider fire safety. We want to remind you that while it is important to have smoke detectors installed throughout your house, it is not enough to simply install and forget about them. Twice a year, it's critical that you test your smoke detectors and replace their batteries.

This task is to change your smoke detector batteries as you go through your house to change your clocks. At the same time, it can be helpful to dust or vacuum the detectors to keep them free of debris that can interfere with their operation. This habit twice a year could save the lives of you and your loved ones. Click here for more detailed Smoke Detector safety information

We provide some ways to consider fire safety while doing your spring cleaning this year.
Small Appliances: Appliances throughout your home should be cleared of dust and grime that has collected on both the units, the counters that it sits on, and their electrical cords.
Grease should be removed from the outside of kitchen appliances with a slightly damp rag. Last but not least, the greased pan underneath the toaster oven and other appliances that have contact with grease should be cleaned as well.

Large Appliances: Area underneath and around your washer and dryer units should be cleared of dust and stray materials. Also, take a look at the dryer vents that should also be cleaned.
Refrigerators take a lot of extra time and a big job of cleaning the condenser coils at the back. The coils collect dust, grime, and need to be wiped clean and vacuumed to keep the condenser functioning. If you have a self-defrosting unit remember to empty and clean the tray at the bottom of the unit.

Electrical Cords: Check the cords of your washer and dryer units, television, a stereo system, a computer, and small appliances such as the coffee pot, microwave, and toaster oven. The cords should not be frayed, split, or bare and should be unplugged and wiped clean with a dry cloth.
Any frayed, split, or bare electrical cords that you find while cleaning should be repaired or replaced to avoid the danger of electrical fires. Systems such as stereos, computers, and televisions, which have multiple electrical cords, should be connected through a power strip with a circuit breaker protection to avoid overloading a single electric outlet. Make sure that cords are placed at least 2-3 inches away from the wall and are not run underneath rugs.