Home Fire Safety Audit
Conducting a home fire safety audit is a proactive approach to pinpoint potential hazards and evaluate your family's preparedness for emergencies. It provides a chance to address and rectify safety issues, ensuring that you are well-equipped to handle any unexpected situations. Take the initiative to safeguard your home by planning ahead.
Make sure you have the following items in your bathroom:
- A first-aid kit
- Anti-scald shower / tub water controls
- Grab bars within easy reach in each tub and shower stall
- Shatter-resistant faucet parts with no sharp edges
- A night light
- Childproof safety latches on cabinets containing dangerous materials
- Electrical outlets positioned away from water fixtures and fitted with a ground-fault circuit interrupter
Keep the following items and equipment available in bedrooms:
- A carbon monoxide alarm within 10 feet of each bedroom
- A fire-escape ladder (if bedrooms are above main levels)
- A fire extinguisher
- A list of emergency numbers posted near any telephones
- A night light
- A rechargeable flashlight
- A smoke alarm in every bedroom and main hallway
- The control center for your home security system
- Have deadbolt locks and heavy-duty strike plates on exterior doors for home security.
- Provide outdoor security lighting that is timer or motion-detector controlled.
- Make sure doors and windows work properly so everyone can get out if there is a fire.
- There should be 2 ways out of every sleeping area in a home.
- Keep combustibles three feet from heating equipment.
- Have your furnace inspected annually.
- Clean lint from inside and behind your clothes dryer.
- Have a working smoke alarm.
- A carbon monoxide alarm at least 15 to 20 feet from furnace.
- Have a fire extinguisher readily available.
- Have a smoke or heat alarm.
- Have a fire extinguisher in the garage.
- Have a fire extinguisher in your vehicles.
- Tools should be well maintained, and you should always use safety guards and glasses.
- Electrical outlets equipped with ground-fault circuit interrupters.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Keep combustibles away from your stove.
- Potholders should be in easy reach while cooking.
- Pot handles should be turned inward to avoid spilling.
- Have a smoke alarm with a silence button.
- Have a lid for frying pans available for covering a grease fire.
- Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
- Keep a safe zone (3 feet) for children around the stove when cooking.
- Rugs have nonslip backings or are kept secure with pads or double-faced tape.
- Install childproof safety latches on cabinets that contain cleaning materials.
- Electrical outlets should have ground-fault circuit interrupters,
- Make sure there are individual shut-off valves for each gas appliance.
- For appliances, use only heavy-duty extension cords that are specifically made for appliances.
- Keep the range hood or vent free of built-up grease.
- Place radios, televisions, and small electric appliances safely away from the sink.
- Practice safe storage of lighters and matches to keep them away from children.
- Grills should be used safely and at least 10 feet from your home.
- There should be a carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home.
- If you have small children, install safety plugs on unused outlets.
- Make sure window treatments are free of dangling cords if small children are present.
- Have programmable timers to turn lamps on and off when you're away for security.
- Use outlet surge protectors for audio, video, and computer equipment.
- Keep furniture away from windows if small children are present.
- Candles should be in sturdy non-combustible holders.
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Electrical outlets should not be overloaded.
- Have additional outlets installed by an electrician if needed.