Edwards AFB Fire Department spring cleaning guide to safety Published March 17, 2015 By CiJi J. Brown Edwards Fire Department fire inspector EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The origins of spring cleaning has yet to be determined and although spring cleaning involving fire safety may not include household mopping, consolidating clothing, or removing old unused items from the garage, there are several fire-related tips that can be practiced to ensure the safety of you and your family. The Edwards AFB Fire Department will address fire safety issues that involve indoor, outdoor, and garage/shed hazards that can prevent injury or loss of life this spring season. Indoor Hazards Ensure all smoke/carbon monoxide detectors are operational by testing them and changing the batteries according to the manufacture specifications. On-base occupants please notify Corvias Military Housing for all required maintenance. Overloading of extension cords has led to fires that resulted in serious injury or death, and ensuring that extension cords or surge protectors are not overloaded with high wattage equipment is important. Space heaters, coffee makers and refrigerators are a few examples of items that cannot be connected to extension cords or surge protectors. Only UL-Listed extension cords and surge protectors are authorized. Outdoor Hazards BBQ grills and factory purchase fire pits should be cleaned thoroughly prior to each use. Ensure all grilling is accomplished at a minimum distance of 20 feet from any facility or house. Propane Bottles should be inspected for any leaks and all ashes created from charcoal or wood will be properly disposed (no ashes will be placed in ANY trash receptacle). Whether you reside on or off-base, having the proper clearance around your home is very important. Take time to walk around your home and remove all dead vegetation, leaves and debris from around your home. It's recommended that you provide at least 10 feet of clearance, but be conscious of your surroundings and adjust your area of clearance to ensure your facility or family home is fire safe. Garage/Shed Safety As the weather continues to rise, projects or equipment often used in the garage during winter may become hazards in the spring and summer. Ensure all gas-powered lawn equipment is not leaking any fuel and is properly stored. Ensure fuel and paint containers are not leaking and properly seal and store them in an environment that will not expose fuel product or vapors to any sources of heat. Contact Corvias Housing to understand maximum storage quantities. You can do a lot to protect yourself, your loved ones and your Edwards military family. A little time spent using these simple fire safety tips will help you create a plan that can be practiced by all. Fire safety is the responsibility of the Edwards Air Force Base Fire Department and all base residents. If you would like to learn more, call (661) 277-3643/2335 for more information.