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Did you know that something as small, and seemingly insignificant as lint can start a house fire? It’s true…and it happens more often than most people realize. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, clothes dryers are responsible for an estimated 2,900 home fires each year, and the leading cause is simply failure to clean them.

Spring is all about fresh starts. It’s a great time to open the windows, clean things out, and take some time to think about how to make your home safer.

The good news is that fire prevention doesn’t have to be complicated. Small steps, like checking your smoke alarms, clearing out clutter, and getting your vents cleaned, can make a big difference. If you’re in Northeast Florida or Southeast Georgia, regular dryer vent and air duct cleaning is a smart, simple way to protect your home and breathe easier.

1. Clear Out Dryer Vent Buildup

Lint buildup might seem small, but it’s one of the top causes of house fires. Even if you clean the lint trap after every load (and you should!), lint still makes its way deep into the dryer vent line over time. That buildup can clog airflow, cause your dryer to overheat, and creates a real fire hazard.

You need to watch for some of the tell-tale signs like longer dry times, a hot laundry room, or a musty smell. These are your dryer’s way of telling you it needs some attention.

The solution is simple…have your dryer vent professionally cleaned at least once a year. At Breathe Cleaner Aire FL, we offer dryer vent cleaning starting at $169, and every job includes a free on-site inspection.

2. Don’t Overlook Your Air Ducts

Air ducts aren’t something most people think about often, but they play a big role in how safe and comfortable your home is. Over time, your ducts can collect dust, debris, and even pet hair. If that buildup gets too heavy, it can restrict airflow and put stress on your HVAC system. In some cases, it can even become a fire risk.

And if there’s mold or mildew growing inside, it can be a huge issue and can affect your health and cause the system to work harder than it should.

Having your ducts cleaned and inspected regularly helps prevent these problems. It also keeps your system running more efficiently, which means better air and lower energy use.

At Breathe Cleaner Aire FL, we offer thorough duct inspections and cleanings that are made for homes in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, where humidity can make buildup happen faster.

3. Use Appliances Safely

Appliances make life easier, but they also need to be used with care. Ovens, dryers, space heaters, and even air fryers can all become fire hazards if they’re not properly maintained or used correctly.

Here are a few simple safety habits that you should keep in mind:

• Never leave appliances running unattended, especially when you’re not home.
• Keep cords and filters clean, and don’t use damaged cords or plugs.
• Avoid overloading outlets, especially in older homes.
• Clean out range hoods and toaster crumb trays regularly.
• Unplug small appliances when you’re done using them.

If you live in a warm, humid area like Northeast Florida or Southeast Georgia, remember that moisture can wear down electrical components faster. Regular checks and a little extra caution go a long way toward keeping your home safe

4. Store Flammable Materials Smartly

It’s easy to forget just how many flammable items are hiding in plain sight, like paint cans, cleaning sprays, propane tanks, and even stacks of paper towels. These things can pose a serious fire risk if they’re not stored safely.

Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind when it comes to storing your flammables:

• Keep anything flammable away from heat sources, including water heaters, dryers, and space heaters.
• Store items like paints and chemicals in ventilated areas, not closed-off closets or cabinets.
• Never store flammable products in the attic, especially near ductwork or HVAC equipment.

Keep Smoke Alarms in Working Order

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are two of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your family…but only if they’re working properly.

Here’s what you can do:

• Test your alarms once a month using the test button.
• Change the batteries twice a year. This is a good habit to tie to daylight saving time.
• Replace the whole unit every 8–10 years, even if it still seems to work.

Early detection gives you time to act, and this can save lives. These devices are small, affordable, and easy to maintain. Spring is a great time to check them off your list while you’re already in home refresh mode.

Make Fire Safety Part of Your Spring Routine

Fire prevention doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. When you build it into your seasonal routine (just like swapping out your AC filter or freshening up the patio) it becomes something you just do, without overthinking it.

Spring is the perfect time to give your home a quick safety check. Here’s a simple checklist to get started:

• Dryer vent and air duct cleaning
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm check
• A look at cords, plugs, and small appliances
• A quick review of flammable item storage in your garage or utility room

A few simple steps now can go a long way toward helping to protect everything that matters most.