How Fire Safe Is Your Home?

Home Fire Safety Checklist

Make your family and home safe from fire. Use this checklist to make sure.

Matches and Careless Smoking
 Are matches kept out of reach of small children? Are matches kept away from heaters, stoves and other sources of heat? Is smoking in bed against house rules?  Are ash trays handy? Do you check to see that all matches and ashes are cool before you throw them away?

Heating and Cooling
 Are furnace, stoves and flue pipes away from combustibles and checked regularly? Are walls and ceilings properly protected from sources of heat? Is the chimney cleaned and checked regularly? Are clothes, curtains and furniture away from stoves, heaters, and fireplaces? Are your stove, oven, broiler, and vent filters kept clean from grease?

Electricity
 Are extension cords placed safely and in good shape? Do the cords on any of your appliances have cracks, frayed wires, or loose, bent or broken plugs? Do any cords or electrical outlets feel warm? (If so, have a licensed electrician check your wiring).

Housekeeping
 Are attic, cellar, closets, yard, garage and stairs clear of garbage? Are flammable liquids stored in approved safety cans?  And kept away from heat or children's reach? Are paints kept in tightly closed metal containers? Do you avoid flammable liquids (like gasoline) for cleaning and for starting fires? Do you avoid storing rags, papers, and other combustibles in the home?

Fire-Safe Habits
 Do you have smoke detectors? If battery operated, have you changed batteries at least once a year? Do you have a planned escape for every room in your home? Do you practice home fire drills? Can you see your address from the street? Do you have 9-1-1, and your address posted on or near your phone?