Homeowners Checklist – How to Make your Home Fire Safe
INSIDE:
- Kitchen
– Keep a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen
– Maintain electric and gas stoves in good operating condition
– Keep baking soda on hand to extinguish stove-top grease fires
– Turn the handles of pots and pans away from the front of the stove
– Install curtains and towel holders away from stoveburners
– Store matches and lighters out of reach of children
– Make sure that electrical outlets are designed to handle appliance loads - Living Room
– Install a screen in front of fireplace or wood stove
– Store the ashes from your fireplace (and barbecue) in a metal container and dispose of only when cold
– Clean fireplace chimneys and flues at leas once a year - Hallway
– Install smoke detectors between living and sleeping areas
– Test smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries twice a year, when clocks are changed in the spring and fall
– Replace electrical cords that do not work properly, have loose connections, or are frayed - Bedroom
– If you sleep with the door closed, install a smoke detector in the bedroom
– Turn off electric blankets and other electrical appliances when not in use
– Do not smoke in bed
– If you have security bards on your windows or doors, be sure they have an approved quick release mechanism so you and your family can get out in the event of a fire - Bathroom
– Disconnect appliances such as curling irons and hair dryers when done; store in a safe location until cool
– Keep items such as towels away from wall and floor heaters - Garage
– Mount a working fire extinguisher in the garage
– Have tools such as a shovel, hoe, rake, and bucket available for use in a wildfire emergency
– Install a solid door with self-closing hinges between living areas and the garage
– Dispose of oily rags in Underwriters Laboratories approved metal containers
– Store all combustibles away from ignition sources such as water heaters
– Disconnect electrical tools and appliances when not in use
– Allow hot tools such as glue guns and soldering irons to cool before storing
– Properly store flammable liquids in approved containers and away from ignition sources such as pilot lights
*Disaster Preparedness*
– Maintain at least a three-day supply of drinking water, and food that does not require refrigeration and generally does not need cooking
– Maintain a portable radio, flashlight, emergency cooking equipment, lanterns and batteries
– Outdoor cooking appliances such as barbecues should never be taken indoors for use as heaters
– Maintain first aid supplies to treat the injured until help arrives
– Keep a list of valuables to take with you in an emergency; if possible, store these valuables together
– For safety, securely attach all water heaters and furniture such as cabinets and bookshelves to walls
– Have a contingency plan to enable family members to contact each other. Establish a family/friend phone tree
– Designate an emergency meeting place outside your home
– Practice emergency exit drills in the house (EDITH) regularly
– Make sure that all family members understand how to STOP, DROP, AND ROLL if their clothes should catch fire
