The Saskatoon Fire Department is giving the public some spring cleaning tips for avoiding a housefire.

SFD Fire Marshall Brian Conway says people should be checking their carbon monoxide and smoke alarms twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.

“Us in Saskatchewan, since we are on the same time all the time, we ask that you follow those time when the rest of the country changes time to check your CO alarms and smoke alarms.”

He reminds people to review their home fire escape plan, declutter the house of items that may be blocking an exit, or combustibles that might be too close to your furnace or hot water heater.

“It’s a good to review your home fire escape plan, and if you don’t have one, maybe to create one, so that if there’s an incident, you can get out of your home safely and make sure that everyone’s accounted for once they’re outside.”

Extension cords that were used over the winter should be checked for cuts and breaks, intake and outtake vents on the outside of your home should be free of blockages, and your address should be visible from the street so emergency services are able to locate your home as soon as possible if assistance is ever required.