COLUMBUS, Ohio — Spring has begun in Ohio, prompting many residents to start their seasonal cleaning routines. Beyond enhancing a home’s appearance, the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal is encouraging Ohioans to prioritize safety during this time.

The State Fire Marshal emphasizes that integrating fire prevention into spring cleaning can significantly protect homes and families. Simple steps like reducing clutter, clearing debris, and maintaining appliances can lower the risk of fires.

To minimize fire hazards in the coming months, the division recommends several safety measures for spring cleaning:

For clothes dryers, ensure the exhaust pipe is unobstructed and the outdoor vent flap functions properly. Keep flammable items such as boxes and cleaning supplies away from the dryer. Clothes exposed to flammable substances like gasoline should air dry outside before washing.

Decluttering is key to reducing fire risks. Evaluate homes for excessive storage or hoarding that could impede safe navigation, posing dangers to residents and first responders. Clear hallways, doorways, and exterior exits, and maintain a three-foot buffer between items and heat sources like furnaces or water heaters.

Outdoors, remove leaves, pine needles, and other flammable debris from roofs, gutters, and under decks to prevent ignition from embers. Clear dead vegetation within five feet of the home and relocate construction materials, trash, and woodpiles at least 30 feet away.

Grills should be inspected for grease or fat buildup, nests, spiderwebs, or other debris. For gas grills, check hoses for leaks before use.

Gasoline should only be used as motor fuel and stored in approved, tightly capped containers, kept in a detached garage or shed, never inside the home or basement.

The State Fire Marshal also advises checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, replacing batteries as needed, and testing them monthly. Smoke alarms over 10 years old should be replaced.

With warmer weather approaching, families are urged to develop and rehearse fire escape plans, ensuring everyone knows how to exit and where to gather outside if an alarm sounds. Additional fire safety resources are available on the State Fire Marshal’s website.