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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