Home Safety Checklist

Electrical Checklist

• Avoid overloading electrical circuits.
• Inspect electrical cords and appliances for damages.
• Do not tack cords to the wall or run them under rugs.
• Maintain air space around electrical equipment such as TVs, stereos, and toaster ovens.
• Use only a qualified electrician to perform upgrades and repairs in your home.
• Use extension cords that have a built-in circuit breaker.

Exterior Checklist

• Be sure that your house number is visible from the street.
• Trim trees away from electrical wires and chimneys.
• Remove all pine needles and leaves from your roof, eaves, and rain gutters.

Fire Extinguishers Checklist

• Purchase a multi-purpose ABC extinguisher.
• Use the PASS acronym to teach your family how to operate an extinguisher:
  • Pull the Pin
  • Aim the Nozzle at the Base of the Fire
  • Squeeze the Trigger
  • Sweep
• Inspect your extinguishers annually.

Flammable Liquids & Hazardous Materials Checklist

• Limit the amount of chemicals in your home.
• Dispose of or recycle household hazardous materials properly.
• Store hazardous materials in the proper containers with correct identification labels and away from heat sources.
• Allow for proper ventilation when using flammable liquids.
• Put oily rags in metal containers with tight-fitting lids, not in a pile where they can spontaneously ignite.

Heating Equipment & Fireplace Checklist

• Keep heaters at least 3 feet from all combustible materials.
• Replace furnace filters once a month.
• Clean lint from behind your clothes dryer.
• Install a spark screen in front of your fireplace.
• Install a spark arrester on your chimney.
• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected once a year.
• Dispose of ashes in metal containers.
• Keep newspapers and clutter away from your water heater.

Develop & Practice a Home Escape Plan

• Develop a home escape plan. Be sure to do include the following.
  
  • Include crawling low under smoke (you can use sheets to simulate smoke).
  • Identify two exits out of every room.
  • Identify a meeting place outside your home.

• Practice your escape plan with every household member.
• Teach all family members how to:
  • Dial 9-1-1. Clarify its use for your children.
  • Stop, drop, and roll. Remind them to use their hands to cover their face as they perform this maneuver.

Smoke Detectors Checklist

• Install smoke detectors outside of every sleeping area and on every level of your home.
• Test smoke alarms once a month.
• Replace smoke detector batteries twice a year-use Daylight Savings Time as a reminder.
• Replace your detectors every 10 years.

Smoking Materials & Candles Checklist

• Never leave cigarettes or candles unattended.
• Purchase and use ashtrays that have the center support feature.
• Empty ashtrays into noncombustible containers only.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Place candles in noncombustible, sturdy holders.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.