REAC Tip of the Month

Are you storing your flammable materials properly? It is important to remember to look at every possible situation that could possibly exist on your property, including inside apartments.

Inspectors will look at flammable materials that are still in their original containers, such as (but not limited to): hair spray, other aerosol cans, fingernail polish remover, butane and charcoal lighter fluids, and paint thinner. If these items are stored in safe places – such as under kitchen sinks or in hall closets, an inspector should not record them as being improperly stored.

However, if any of the above items are in close proximity to open flames or heat sources such as gas hot water heaters, gas HVAC units or electric heaters, it will be recorded as improperly stored. Any combustible items such as paper, plastics, boxes or clothes that are kept close to any open flame or heat source are considered to be improperly stored.

TIP: During inspections, note if items such as plastic dishes, paper plates, paper napkins, foil on the burner plates, PAM or other aerosol cans are left on the range or in the oven. These are definite hazards.

Gasoline fueled equipment with gas in the tank, such as lawn mowers, weed eaters and motorcycles, should not be stored in a unit or in a residential building’s basement that is not designed for such storage. (Yes, tell that resident that a motorcycle cannot be kept inside the apartment for “safe-keeping”.)  Gasoline, propane and kerosene can be allowed in a residential unit only if it is accessible from outside – not from inside the apartment.

Propane tanks or gas powered equipment stored outside of a building, but in close proximity to a building should not be recorded as improperly stored flammable materials. As you look at your property, look at it with the “eyes of safety” in mind. If you think there could a problem, then there will be.