Check the space around your appliances to help keep your home fire safe

As you clean up around the house this spring, don’t forget to pay special attention to certain appliances such as your dryer.

“We remind people to clean the lint filter every time you dry your clothes, but maybe take some time during spring cleaning to pull the dryer out, disconnect the hose or the connection there, take the vacuum cleaner,” said Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane. “You’ll be surprised how much lint builds up just throughout the year behind the dryer, around the dryer, in that vent there.”

He also says to check the dryer exhaust on your home’s exterior to make sure it is free of lint build-up or pests.

Take time to clean the area around your furnace and water heater, as well as appliances that contain motors.

“Other things like refrigerators and freezers, their motors, they’re pulling that air to keep the motor cool while they’re running, so vacuum around there and it makes sure that’s clean from dust and debris,” Crane said.

As the weather gets nicer, if you plan on getting out the grill for a cookout, make sure it is ready for the season.

“Make sure, when you get it out, make sure if it’s a gas grill you’re checking for leaks,” Crane said. “You can take a soapy water solution, spray around the hose and the connections. When you turn it on and make sure it’s not leaking, make sure that you clean it real good. The grease will build up on that grill over time and you want to make sure that you clean it real good.”

Keep a grill at least 10 feet away from buildings or overhangs, and never leave a burning grill unattended.