Home Fire Safety?

Check your home against the list below. Does it measure up? Does your family know their fire drill?

Entries

• Easily accessible keys near all doors with deadbolt locks

Living, Dining, and Family Rooms

• Extension cords placed safely away from areas where they could be stepped on or tripped over
• Outlet surge protectors for audio, video, and computer equipment

Kitchen

• A smoke detector
• A fire extinguisher
• Electrical outlets that are fitted with ground-fault circuit interrupters; circuits not overloaded
• Electrical outlets are up to code
• Individual shut-off valves for each gas appliance
• Flexible gas connectors located where they can't be kicked or bent
• A range hood or vent kept free of built-up grease
• Storage for cloth items (such as hot pads and dish towels) and paper items well away from the range
• A list of emergency numbers located prominently near the phone.

Laundry Room

• A smoke detector
• A fire extinguisher
• Regularly cleaned dryer venting

Furnace Room

• A smoke detector
• A fire extinguisher

Bedrooms

• A smoke detector
• A list of emergency numbers posted near any telephones
• An intercom that lets you alert the household in an emergency
• Fire-escape ladders near upper-story windows
• All windows can be easily opened

Garage

• A smoke detector
• A fire extinguisher
• All stored paint thinners or gasoline are in regulation containers that are clearly labeled
• All chemicals and gasoline are stored far away from heat sources

Workshop

• A smoke detector
• A fire extinguisher
• Electrical outlets equipped with ground-fault circuit interrupters
• A telephone for summoning emergency help

Stairways

• All stairways are clear of clutter

Smoke Detectors

• Placed near bedrooms
• On every level of your home
• Batteries tested monthly
• Away from air vents; six inches from where walls and ceiling meet
• Batteries replaced twice a year

Electrical Wiring

• Replaced if frayed or cracked
• Not under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas
• Outlets not overloaded
• Outlets cool to touch, not hot
• Outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring

Electric Space Heaters

• Plugged directly into wall sockets, not extension cords
• Unplugged when not used
• Away from curtains, walls, furniture or other flammables

Fireplaces

• Used only with seasoned, never green, wood
• Protected by screens
• Interiors, hearths and chimney cleaned annually

Home Escape Plan

• Practiced every three months
• Emergency numbers, whistle and flashlight near bed
• Outside meeting place identified
• Know two ways to escape from every room
• Purchased a chain ladder to use to climb out of rooms above the first floor
• Discussed what to do about getting small children, elderly household members, and family pets out of the house
• Know how to call for emergency assistance