House Fire Prevention Checklist

In the event of a fire, you may have less than three minutes to get out of your home. Therefore, you should take certain safety precautions to keep your home safe from fires. We recommend that you print out this list and put a check mark next to each statement that is true for your particular home.

Smoke Alarms

• Smoke alarms are included on every level of your home.
• You test smoke alarms each months.
• Smoke alarm batteries are changed whenever necessary.
• Your smoke alarms are less than 10 years old.

Kitchen Safety

• The cooking area is free of any items that have the potential to burn.
• You and/or others who live in your home remain in the kitchen when food is getting fried, grilled, boiled, or broiled.
• Pot handles are always turned away from the front of the stove.

Appliance or Electrical Safety

• The electrical cords in your home are in optimal condition and free of cuts or damage.
• The dryer lint is cleaned following every use.
• Plug outlets are not warm when they are touched.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• Each level of the home contains carbon monoxide alarms.
• Carbon monoxide alarms are not older than 7 years.

Candle Safety

• All candles are kept in sturdy containers that are difficult to tip over.
• When it’s time to leave a room or go to bed, adults always blow out candles.
• Candles are never easily reachable by children or pets.

Escape Plan

• You have established a fire escape plan that features two ways to leave each room.
• Everyone living in the home is aware of safe meeting places outside of the home.
• The fire escape plan is practices at least twice a year by everyone in the home.

Once you’ve went through your home and checked off the statements that apply, you will understand whether it is well-prepared for a fire. Be sure to address any of the statements that are not checked as doing so can potentially save your life as well as the lives of your family members or anyone else living in your home.