As the weather warms up and St. Lawrence County residents continue to combat COVID-19 by staying home and social-distancing, spring cleaning can help residents protect their homes.

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) wants to remind residents of the Top 6 ‘Spring Cleaning’ Safety Tips families should be mindful of to protect their households from a harmful fire.

• As more New Yorkers are working and learning from home during COVID-19, make sure to replace any frayed extension cords, exposed wires or loose plugs to prevent a home fire. No matter how many devices are in the home, always make sure not to overload outlets or extension cords.

• According to the National Fire Protection Association, unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Make sure to keep the stove area clean and clear of things that can catch fire such as pot holders, towels, curtains, bags, and other appliances.

• Whether you use an electric or gas clothes dryer, you will have lint! Even if you clean the lint trap after every load, your dryer is accumulating flammable lint particles in other areas. Lint is combustible and can cause fires. Thoroughly clean your dryer by moving it away from the wall and wiping down every surface. Use a vacuum hose attachment or long, flexible brush to clean out the lint trap inlet and the vent pipe.

• Spring is a great time to declutter your home overall. Clutter in the home can be a fire hazard, and also can threaten the safety of residents and firefighters when trying to escape a dangerous situation. Decluttering and organizing your home can actually save lives and allow better access to exits.

• While spring cleaning, remember to get rid of any flammable materials that may just be laying around the house. These things can cause a small fire to rage; items like old paint cans, old newspapers or magazines, even piles of clothes can go up in flames in minutes.

• Schedule a chimney sweep. If you have a fireplace, you should have your chimney inspected and swept annually to prevent fires, carbon monoxide accidents and structural problems. This maintenance is best performed in the fall, but chimney sweeps can book up early, so schedule it now while you're in a spring cleaning state of mind.