Fire Safety Checklist for Your Home:

This checklist covers key areas to ensure your home is prepared in case of a fire. Review it regularly and update as needed.

I. Smoke Alarms:

• [ ] Functioning: Test all smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button. Replace batteries annually (or as recommended by the manufacturer) or if the alarm chirps. Consider using 10-year sealed battery alarms.
• [ ] Placement: Ensure smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home, inside and outside every sleeping area, and in the hallways. Don't place them in kitchens or bathrooms where steam or cooking fumes can trigger false alarms.
• [ ] Interconnected: Ideally, all smoke alarms should be interconnected so that if one goes off, they all go off.
• [ ] Maintenance: Dust smoke alarms monthly with a vacuum cleaner attachment. Replace alarms every 10 years, regardless of whether they seem to be working.

II. Fire Extinguishers:

• [ ] Availability: Have at least one multi-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher on each level of your home, especially in the kitchen, garage, and near fireplaces.
• [ ] Type: Ensure extinguishers are rated for the types of fires you might encounter (A for ordinary combustibles, B for flammable liquids, C for electrical fires).
• [ ] Knowledge: Everyone in the household should know where the extinguishers are located and how to use them (remember PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
• [ ] Maintenance: Check extinguishers monthly to ensure the pressure gauge is in the green zone and that the extinguisher hasn't been damaged. Recharge or replace after use.

III. Escape Plan:

• [ ] Developed: Create a fire escape plan that includes two escape routes from every room.
• [ ] Practiced: Practice your escape plan at least twice a year with everyone in the household. Designate a meeting place outside so you know everyone is safe.
• [ ] Clear Pathways: Keep hallways and exits clear of clutter.
• [ ] Window Escape: Ensure windows are easy to open and that everyone knows how to escape through them if necessary. Consider escape ladders for upper floors.
• [ ] Stay Low: Teach everyone to stay low to the ground and crawl under smoke if they need to escape.
• [ ] Stop, Drop, and Roll: Teach everyone what to do if their clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop, and Roll.

IV. Home Hazards:

• [ ] Electrical: Check electrical cords for damage and replace any frayed or worn cords. Avoid overloading outlets.
• [ ] Heating: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable. Have your furnace and chimney inspected annually.
• [ ] Cooking: Never leave cooking unattended. Keep flammable materials away from the stove and oven.
• [ ] Flammable Liquids: Store flammable liquids (gasoline, paint thinner, etc.) in approved containers in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources.
• [ ] Smoking: If you smoke, do so outside and dispose of cigarette butts in a heavy, non-flammable ashtray filled with sand or water. Never smoke in bed.
• [ ] Candles: Never leave candles unattended. Keep them away from flammable materials.

V. Other Important Measures:

• [ ] House Numbers: Ensure your house numbers are clearly visible from the street so firefighters can easily locate your home.
• [ ] Whistle: Keep a whistle near your bed to signal for help in case of a fire.
• [ ] Closing Doors: Sleep with bedroom doors closed to help contain a fire.
• [ ] Fire-Resistant Materials: Consider using fire-resistant building materials and furnishings whenever possible.
• [ ] Insurance: Review your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage in case of a fire.

VI. Regular Inspections:

• [ ] Annual Check: Conduct an annual fire safety inspection of your home to identify and address any potential hazards.

By following this checklist, you can significantly improve your home's fire safety and increase your family's chances of survival in the event of a fire. Remember, prevention is key!