If you didn’t tackle the project before the snow fell, you will probably want to rake the dried leaves that fell among the shrubbery around your home. With the crocuses and daffodils in full bloom, you’ll want to remove the dried branches from the fall mums to give the new blooms room to show their beauty. Contact your local fire company to find out the rules for disposal of your yard waste. If your municipality allows you to burn it, follow their safety instructions carefully.
Only burn dried yard waste when there is no wind.
Keep a hose nearby with the water turned on.
Keep a rake handy to collect stray leaves and return them to the pile.
Burn away from trees, shrubbery and buildings.
When fueling the lawn mower, never smoke or light
a cigarette. Use only the recommended fuel and refueloutdoors only. Cool the
engine before refueling. Keep children and pets away from the area.
Car Care Products
Read the labels on all car care products. Not only are some of them flammable, but many are poisonous to children and pets. Always keep these products stored safely out of reach. Remember, anti-freeze has a sweet taste, making it attractive to children and pets.
Basement and Garage Clean-up
What a job! But, somebody has to do it. Take into consideration the following safety tips to keep your family safe:
Oily rags stored together on a pile or in a bag can cause a fire without you lighting it and without you even being there! Spontaneous combustion occurs when a chemical action causes heat to be produced within the rags that can burst into flame. Dispose of rags as you finish each project. Use a clean rag next time.
Dispose of empty paint cans and aerosol cans. Contact your local township or municipality for instructions—do not throw them in with your regular trash.
Do not store piles of paper or cardboard boxes too close to heaters or pilot lights.
Dispose of unnecessary papers and boxes. Leave a clear, uncluttered passage to the entrance and to heat sources.
A working smoke detector should be installed in your basement.
Yard Clean-up!
