Home Fire Prevention Checklist

Prevent fires before they start by using this fire prevention checklist. Do a room-by-room search for fire hazards in your home and correct any hazards you find.

Throughout the Home

• Install smoke detectors on every level of the home in rooms, stair landing, and passageways. Test them monthly. Change batteries twice a year.
• Consider installing automatic fire sprinklers to spray water on fire in its early stages to reduce or stop damage.
• Put out cigarettes in an ashtray. Never throw them in the trash. Make sure they are completely out.
• Keep all lighters and matches in locked or high cabinets away from children.
• Use light bulbs with the correct wattage for the fixture.
• Replace all frayed, cracked or broken electrical cords.
• Check for independent testing lab safety labels (i.e., UL, FM) on all appliances and portable heaters.
• Use outlets safely. Don't plug too many large appliances into one outlet, overload an extension cord, or plug more that one extension cord into an outlet.
• Make sure there are two escape routes from every room, including basement bedrooms.
• Store and use all cleaning products and aerosol cans away from heat. Don't burn the containers or throw in trash that will be burned.
• Do not use electrical appliances or tools when you or the cord is in or near water.

Kitchen

• Have stovetop and oven checked annually to be sure they are working properly.
• Keep the stovetop and oven clean to avoid grease fires.
• Remove towels, potholders, plastic bags, newspapers and other flammable materials around the stovetop.
• Do not hang curtains or other flammable materials above the stove.
• Replace or have a professional fix any appliance with frayed or loose cords or wires, or cords that get hot while appliance is in use.
• Do not use or store appliances and cords near water where they can get wet.
• Hang paper towel racks, curtains and towels away from the toaster, toaster oven, and any other heat producing appliances.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stovetop.
• Use only microwave-safe dishes in the microwave.
• Wear tight fitting sleeves or roll them up when cooking.
• Unplug appliances when not in use.

Living Room

• Clean wood or coal stoves and fireplace chimneys before each heating season.
• Burn only dry, seasoned wood in the fireplace or wood stove to reduce the build up of creosote (which is flammable) in the chimney.
• Close the screen or heat-tempered glass door when the fireplace is in use to prevent sparks
• Avoid running cords or wires under rugs and carpets or near a heat source where they can overheat. Don't run them across doorways where they van become worn.
• Stack newspapers, wood, matches and other items that might catch fire away from fireplace or wood or coal stove.
• Install approved stove board under wood and coal stoves and place these stoves at least 3 feet away from any wall. Follow local building and fire codes.
• Place large, clean, deep, non-tip ashtrays in the living room and other rooms where smokers are likely to be. Douse ashtrays with water before emptying to put out embers.

Bathrooms

• Run appliance cords away from sink or tub where they can get wet.
• Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in the bathroom, kitchen, and other rooms with water or moisture. These shut off the current when there is a danger of shock.
• Use hair dryers and curling irons away from items that might burn. Disconnect after use. Don't fold or crimp cords when storing.

Bedrooms

• Install a smoke detector in the hallway near each bedroom. Sleep with bedroom doors closed.
• Buy portable heaters with automatic shut-off safety features. Keep them clean and at least three feet away from draperies, furniture, clothes, bedding or walls.
• Never smoke cigarettes in bed or any time you are sleepy.
• Use a heating pad for no more that 30 minutes. Unplug when finished.
• Unplug your electric blanket when not in use and store flat. Never fold or roll it.

Basement/Utility Room

• Have your furnace checked before each heating season to be sure it is in proper working condition.
• Change furnace filters frequently.
• If you use the basement as a bedroom, make sure windows are large enough to crawl through in case of fire.
• Do not sore trash and anything that could catch fire near the furnace.
• Become familiar with your electric panel. Check for proper wiring and fuses.
• Clean lint from dryer screen before each use. Plug dryer into a separate outlet and vent to the outside. Keep the area clear.
• Follow manufactures; recommended time for drying synthetic fabrics, rubber, plastics, or foam.

Garage/Shop

• Use proper gauge extension cord with any o\power tool or high-wattage equipment.
• Store gasoline in approved, tightly sealed containers and use only as a motor fuel
• Keep paints and other flammable liquids and chemicals in their original, labeled containers with tight-fitting lids.
• Use and store flammables (e.g., pesticides, fertilizers, paint, gasoline) away from any source of heat or flame. Never smoke near flammable liquids.
• Dispose of oil-soaked rags after use or store in a tightly-closed metal container. Never burn them or throw them in trash that will be burned.
• Place unused charcoal in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid in a cool, dry place. Damp charcoal can ignite itself.
• Use cordless tools when working around water or on grounded components such as plumbing and heating systems.