Safety Tips for Basement Cleanouts

When undergoing a basement cleanout, there’s a lot to keep in mind in terms of safety. There’s more to it than just cleaning and sorting through old clutter. Here is more information on how to safely complete a basement cleanout.

Basement Cleanouts: Safety Tips

• Banish leaks and dampness: basements are usually poorly ventilated, so any presence of unwanted water is often an invitation for thirsty pests. It can also signal the beginning of a mold problem, so search your basement for leaks or damp areas and address them promptly to avoid both issues.
• Contain fire hazards: store aerosol paints, paint thinners, and any flammable chemicals in a locked container or cabinet.
• Detect fires or dangerous gases: install a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm in the basement and test it on a regular basis.
• Prevent fires: plug washers, dryers, and power tools directly into the wall outlet. Extension cords or power strips increase the chances of a fire. Another fire risk posed by dryers is the lint trap. Therefore, it’s best to clean the filter after every use and the vent ducts annually. Finally, avoid storing items near the furnace, water heater, or oil burner.
• Clear clutter: if your circuit breaker or fuse box is in the basement, ensure that you can get to it easily. Therefore, there should be a clutter-free path to get to it in a blackout. The same goes for the staircase. There shouldn’t be any items stored on the stairs in case an emergency exit is necessary.

Have your Junk Hauled Away

If you’re like most Americans, you’ll be left with piles of junk after you complete your basement cleanout. You can count on the team at JDog Junk Removal & Hauling to treat you and your property with Respect, Integrity, and Trust. Call us today at 844-GET-JDOG to schedule a pickup.