Home Fire Safety Checklist

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDS

  • Are matches and lighters kept out of reach of children?
  • Are ashtrays designed with a cigarette rest in the center so the cigarette will fall inside the ashtray not on the floor?
  • Are excessive amounts of accumulated trash disposed of or removed?
  • Are flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline, charcoal lighter fluid, paint thinner, etc. stored in approved non-glass containers?
  • Are aerosol cans stored away from heat?

HEATING AND COOKING APPLIANCES

Unplug Appliances
  • Are return air filters checked and replaced or cleaned regularly?
  • Gas smell? Call your local gas provider or the Fire Department.
  • Does the kitchen vent hood have a clean filter?
  • Do you know how to properly extinguish a cooking fire?
  • Does the fireplace have a screen?
  • Has the fireplace/chimney been cleaned this year?
  • Have you made repairs to any holes in the fireplace/chimney?
  • Have you ever had your fireplace inspected for safety?
  • Are fireplace and BBQ ashes kept in metal cans and soaked in water before disposal?
  • Are BBQ grills, smokers etc. used only when 10 ft from structures?
  • Have you removed anything that will burn from central heat or water heater closets?
  • Is the clothes dryer clean of accumulations of dust, lint, and trash, both under and behind it?

ELECTRICAL

  • Are outlets safe from overload (more than 2 appliances per outlet)
  • Are all electrical covers in place?
  • Are electrical cords free of damage, frayed, or cuts in insulation?
  • Do not run electric cords under rugs or carpet, through doorways, or in an area they could be damaged?
  • Are extension cords, when used, of proper size? Are they 3 prong, grounded cords?. Circuit breaker protective outlet strips and surge protectors are recommended.
  • Are tree limbs trimmed and kept away from your electrical lines?

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Are pool/spa chemicals separated from all other storage and away from all electrical equipment and contaminates such as oil, grease, gasoline, etc.?
  • Is the access hole to the attic kept covered?
  • Is there a multipurpose ABC fire extinguisher properly mounted in the home where easily accessible?
  • Is the fire extinguisher new or inspected by a state licensed company annually?
  • Are there enough, properly mounted, working, smoke alarms?
  • Are the smoke alarms tested once a month?
  • Are home fire drills held? Does your family know 2 ways out and where to meet in case of a fire?
  • Is there an address visible from the street or fire lane?

#1 cause of residential fires.
Put a lid on - cooking fires!

You can use baking soda – but don’t use flour!
You can use a fire extinguisher - - - but don’t forget to call 911.

View a printable version of these safety tips (PDF).

View a printable Home Fire Safety Checklist (PDF) by the US Fire Administration.