Spring cleanup and fire safety Published April 21, 2009 5th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Emergency Services Flight MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- It's that time of year again! Spring is in the air so it's time to clean out all that clutter that has accumulated over the winter months. Longer days of sunshine and warmer temperatures will give people more time to spend outside with family and friends. To make this summer safe and enjoyable there are a few things people need to do to get started. Go through the home room by room and thoroughly clean each one. Rooms don't have to be done all at once. Set up a schedule and then stick to it. Get rid of unneeded and unwanted items. Have a yard sale or give them away. Household cleaners, chemicals or paint must be properly disposed of according to the housing brochure. For those who work on base, get with the Haz/Mart office for disposal of chemicals and with DRMO for equipment turn in. Remember, many items can't be thrown in the dumpsters. Here's a quick checklist to make things go smoothly for summertime fun. HOME · Store and use gasoline only in the garage · Grills should never be left unattended or operated by children · Never fill a hot engine with gasoline · Dispose of smoking materials and charcoal properly · Blow out candles before leaving a room · Open burning and fireworks are prohibited on base · Practice a home escape plan WORK · Check fire extinguishers for serviceability monthly · Keep flammable storage lockers neat and closed · No storage in boiler rooms · Don't overload electrical circuits · Replace cracked or broken outlet covers · Test emergency lights monthly Remember these safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable spring. For more information, contact the base fire emergency services flight at 723-6690.