Fire Safety and Prevention Checklist

Areas around furnace, oil burner, wood stove, and other heat-generating equipment are clear of debris, combustible materials, and rags

Burner-access doors on the water heater are closed to prevent flame roll-out

Breaker panel has not been recalled nor recommended for replacement

Breaker wires are not loose

No signs of erosion or decay on wire insulators

Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) have been added for protection from electrical wiring faults, especially in older homes. WARNING: If you're not an electrician, call one. Don't try to fix this yourself

Oily rags are in air-tight containers and away from heat sources

Trash is not stored in the basement

There is no lint build-up inside the dryer or its exhaust duct, and the area behind the dryer is lint-free

Trash is not stored in the basement

Foil or plastic accordion-type ducting material has been replaced with rigid or semi-rigid metal duct

Oily rags are in air-tight containers and away from heat sources

Trash is not stored in the garage 

There is no pull-down stair access to garage attic space that is linked to the main house

Door leading from the garage to the house is solid, has a threshold to block fire from traveling to the house, and weather stripping to prevent carbon monoxide fumes from passing through

Garage is clear of accumulated junk that can facilitate fire

Gasoline is stored away from ignition sources like heat, sparks, and flames and in containers with approved labels.

Has a working smoke detector

Cooking surfaces are clean of grease and food build-up

Gas appliance vents are blocked by sheet metal

Towels, curtains, plastic utensils, and pot holders are stored away from hot surfaces

Cookies and other kid-friendly snacks are not stored above the stove

Kitchen has a working fire extinguisher

Closet lights are have covers (not just a bare bulb)

Light bulbs meet the recommended wattage of each fixture

Incandescent lights are not exposed, do not have a shade closer than 12 inches, and are at least 12 inches from combustibles

Furniture meets updated recommendations for fire-resistant upholstery

Fireplace has a screen, surrounding area is clear of debris, and flue is clear of obstructions

Chimney is cleaned annually

Chimney has fire-stop of gypsum board or fire-code gypsum board at each floor penetration 

Metal vent areas around chimney are blocked by sheet metal

Electric cords don't run under carpets and are not pressed against a wall

Extension cords and outlets are not overloaded (powering too many devices)

Mattresses were made after 1973

Each bedroom and hallway has a working smoke detector

Closet lights are not exposed

Light bulbs meet the recommended wattage of each fixture

Incandescent lights are not exposed, do not have a shade, and are at least 12 inches away from combustibles

Electric cords don't run under carpets and are not pressed against a wall or bed

Extension cords and outlets are not overloaded

Portable heaters or other heat-producing appliances are three feet from beds and other flammable materials, such as curtains

Each bedroom has an escape ladder that all members of the family know how to use

Electric blankets are UL-approved, with cords in solid condition

The floor has a working fire extinguisher

There are no gaps around the chimney that allow you to see the floor below

There is at least a three-inch gap between fiberglass insulation and lighting fixtures