RESIDENTIAL SAFETY CHECKLIST

The list below was compiled by our Fire Prevention Community Education team.  It is intended to help families ensure that their home is safe.

Exterior

  • House number visible from the street.
  • Trees and brush are kept away from electrical wiring.
  • 15-feet of clearance between your home and dead/dry plants, log piles, and un-trimmed trees.

Smoke Detectors / Carbon Monoxide Alarms

  • There is one Smoke Detector near each sleeping area and on every floor.
  • Smoke Detectors are tested regularly, and batteries changed yearly.
  • Smoke alarms are less than 10 years old.
  • Carbon Monoxide alarms are used in homes with fuel burning appliances

Kitchen / Cooking

  • Stoves are not used to heat the home.
  • Cooking is not left unattended.
  • You know not to put water on grease fires, it is best to put a lid on it.
  • There are no combustible materials near the stove.

Heating / Fireplace

  • Do not use kerosene or flammable liquids to start fire.
  • Portable Heaters are kept at least 3 feet away from combustible materials.
  • Portable heaters are turned off AND unplugged before going to bed or when leaving the room.
  • Fireplaces are equipped with a spark screen and ashes are placed in a metal container.

Electrical

  • Electrical wiring is not exposed or damaged.
  • Fused Electric Panels are equipped with proper fuses and receptacles are not overloaded.
  • Extension cords are not used as a substitute for permanent power.
  • Extension cords are not secured on walls or run under carpet or through doorways.
  • Extension cords are equipped with a built-in circuit breaker.

Housekeeping

  • Candles are used away from combustible materials and never left unattended.
  • Oily rags/mops are destroyed or placed in covered metal cans.
  • Hazardous materials/chemicals are labeled and kept out of reach of children
  • Hazardous chemicals are properly stored in limited amounts and are kept away from heat sources.
  • Lint is cleared from behind clothes dryer.

Smoking

  • Do not smoke while lying down or using oxygen.
  • Lighters/ matches are kept away from children.
  • Use an appropriate ash tray.

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