Do you believe that your home is a safe place to be? Statistics show that most fires, accidents, and injuries occur in the home. An important step in family preparedness is the identification of hazards in your home. Once the hazards are identified, it doesn’t take much time or effort to make your home a safer place to live.
Getting Started: Using the checklist below, involve the whole family, especially your children, in a home hazard hunt. Remember, anything that can move, break, fall or burn is a potential hazard. Foresight, imagination and common sense are the only tools you will need! After identifying the hazards in your home, make a plan to make your home safer!
Download a Printer Friendly Version
Kitchen
Yes/No
__ | __ Wear snug-fitting clothes when cooking
__ | __ Do not leave cooking food unattended
__ | __ Keep pan handles turned in while cooking
__ | __ Keep a pan lid nearby in case of fire
__ | __ Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles
__ | __ Keep cords from dangling
__ | __ Ensure outlets near the kitchen sink are GFI (Ground Fault Interrupt) equipped
__ | __ Keep sharp knives out of reach of children
Outside
Yes/No
__ | __ Clear dry vegetation and rubbish from around the house; clip limbs that overhang the roof
__ | __ Use barbecue grills away from buildings and vegetation
__ | __ Dispose of barbecue briquettes in a metal container
__ | __ Stack firewood away from your house and deck
__ | __ Chip and compost your yard debris, or take them to a recycling center instead of burning
__ | __ If you must burn, check with the fire department before burning debris or using a burn barrel
All Rooms
Yes/No
__ | __ Ensure floor coverings (rugs, carpets) are properly secured to prevent tripping hazards
__ | __ Separate draw cords on blinds and drapes to reduce strangulation hazards for kids
__ | __ Ensure room exits are unobstructed
Smoking and Matches
Yes/No
__ | __ Store matches and lighters out of reach of children
__ | __ Use large, deep, non-tip ashtrays
__ | __ Never smoke when drowsy or in bed
__ | __ Dispose of ashes and cigarette butts in a metal can at least daily
__ | __ Check furniture for smoldering cigarettes every night, especially after parties
Electricity
Yes/No
__ | __ Avoid the use of extension cords (If used, ensure the correct wattage rating)
__ | __ Plug only one heat producing device into an electrical outlet
__ | __ Ensure cords are not placed under rugs
__ | __ Verify circuits are not overloaded
__ | __ Replace damaged cords, plugs, sockets
__ | __ Use bulbs with the correct wattage for lamps and fixtures
__ | __ Check fuses/circuit breakers for the correct amperage ratings
__ | __ Do not override or bypass fuses or circuit breakers
Clothes Washer and Dryer
Yes/No
__ | __ Verify that appliances are properly grounded
__ | __ Ensure lint filter is clean and serviceable
__ | __ Check vent hose and vent line to ensure they are clean and provide unobstructed airflow
Garage/Attic/Shed
Yes/No
__ | __ Use gasoline as a motor fuel only and never use or store it inside the home
__ | __ Keep only a small quantity of gasoline, if necessary, in an approved container locked in the garage or shed
__ | __ Keep flammable liquids such as paints and thinners in their original containers and store on or near the ground
and away from sources of heat, sparks, or flame
__ | __ Store used oily rags in sealed metal containers
__ | __ Never store combustibles such as newspapers and magazines in your attic
Heating Equipment
Yes/No
__ | __ Ensure fireplace inserts and gas/wood stoves comply with local codes
__ | __ Clean and inspect chimney annually
__ | __ Dispose of ashes in metal container
__ | __ Keep clothes, furnishings, and electrical cords at least 12” from wall heaters and 36” from portable heaters
__ | __ Service furnace annually
__ | __ Set water heater thermostat at 120° F
__ | __ Elevate new or replacement gas water heaters at least 18” above the floor
Bathrooms
Yes/No
__ | __ Store poisonous cleaning supplies and medicines in “child-proofed” cabinets
__ | __ Replace glass bottles with plastic containers
__ | __ Ensure all outlets are GFI equipped
Family Preparedness
Yes/No
__ | __ Plan two unobstructed exits from every room, including the second floor, and make sure everyone knows them
__ | __ Designate a meeting place outside
__ | __ Have an out-of-state contact for family check after a disaster/emergency
__ | __ Develop an escape plan and practice it regularly – both during the day and at night
__ | __ Store important papers and valuables in a fire-proof safe or cabinet
__ | __ Maintain proper insurance coverage for your home and its contents (earthquake, flood, renters, fire)
Fire Extinguisher
Yes/No
__ | __ Verify that an all-purpose fire extinguisher (Class ABC) is maintained in an accessible location
__ | __ Ensure that all occupants know how to use it
__ | __ Additional fire extinguishers kept in the kitchen, garage, basement, and sleeping area?
Smoke Detector
Yes/No
__ | __ Installed properly on every level
__ | __ Tested 1st Tuesday of each month
__ | __ Battery replaced every six months
Earthquake Hazards (All Rooms)
Yes/No
__ | __ Bolt heavy, tall, upright furniture to wall studs
__ | __ Lock or remove rollers on beds, furniture and appliances
__ | __ Secure hanging plants and light fixtures with one or more guy wires to prevent swinging
into walls or windows and breaking
__ | __ Locate beds away from windows and heavy wall-mounted objects
__ | __ Secure kitchen and bathroom cabinets with “positive” (self-closing) latches
__ | __ Secure items on shelves with quake mats, Velcro™, low shelf barrier, etc.
__ | __ Store heavy and/or breakable items on lower shelves
__ | __ Strap water heater to wall studs
__ | __ Use flexible connections on gas appliances
__ | __ Check chimney for loose bricks and repair as needed
__ | __ Check foundation for cracks and repair as needed
__ | __ Bolt home to foundation to prevent shifting during an earthquake
__ | __ Secure mirrors and pictures to the wall or hang them with heavy wire, looped through eye
screws or tongue-in-groove hangers