Home Fire Prevention Checklist

Make sure your family members are aware of these safety suggestions:

  • Plan your escape - If you have a fire, know where your exits are and how to escape through more than one route.
  • Cooking - Never leave cooking unattended.
  • Portable and other space heaters - These devices should be at least three feet from anything that can burn.
  • Matches and lighters - Treat them with respect, they are tools, not toys and not suitable for children to handle.
  • Electrical appliances - If you notice an unusual smell from an appliance, turn it off, unplug it and have it serviced.
  • If you smell gas - Call your gas company immediately so that they may come and check for a leak.
  • Fireplace - If you have a fireplace make sure that you have a sturdy screen to catch sparks and make sure that your chimney is inspected and cleaned once per year.

Christmas Tree Fire

Hint: If you find yourself in a home or other building that is on fire and you need to escape, crawl low under the smoke.  Remember, during a fire, smoke and poisonous gases rise with the heatand your safest bet is must likely to stay low.

Fire Safety Equipment Checklist

Your basic disaster kit should include:

  • Fire extinguishers - Also strategically located and regularly checked.  Make sure that you know how to use them.
  • Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
  • Baking soda for kitchen fires
  • First aid kit
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Escape plans and equipment such as ropes or ladders for upper floors
  • First aid kit
  • Keep off site in a safe location-
    • Home inventory including photos,videos, and documentation of major purchases
    • Insurance documents
    • Copies of essential medical records
    • Family photos digitally stored "in the cloud" or stored off site

Smoke Alarm Basics

Smoke alarms can save the lives of your and your family members by giving you the warning notice you need.

  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnect all smoke alarms if possible
  • An ionization smoke alarm responds better to flaming fires and a photoelectric smoke alarm responds better to smoldering fires. Both types of alarms or a combination alarm (photoelectric and ionization) should be installed for the best protection.
  • Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
  • Smoke rises; install smoke alarms following manufacturer's instructions high on a wall or on a ceiling.
  • Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps”, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.