Home Fire Prevention Checklist

Prevent Fires Before They Start!

Use this handy home fire prevention and safety checklist to do a room-by room search for fire hazards in your home. Correct any hazards you find.

Install smoke detectors on every level of the home in rooms, stair landings, and passageways. Test them monthly and change batteries twice a year.
Consider installing automatic fire sprinklers to spray water on the 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 than 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.

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.
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.

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 from igniting furniture, draperies or other items.
Avoid running cords or wire under rugs and carpets or near a heat source where they can overheat. Don't run them across doorways where they can become worn.
Stack newspapers, wood, matches and other items that might catch fire away from fireplace or wood or coal stoves.
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.

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.

Install a smoke detector in the hallway near each bedroom. Sleep with the bedroom door 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 than 30 minutes. Unplug when finished.
Unplug your electric blanket when not in use and store flat. Never fold or roll it.

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 store trash and anything that could catch fire near the furnace.
Become familiar with your main 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 manufacturers' recommended time for drying synthetic fabrics, rubber, plastics, or foam.

Use proper gauge extension cord with any 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 on grounded components such as plumbing and heating systems.