Home safety checklist
Updated December 23, 2009
Mark each area that needs improvement and use this list to begin reducing the accident potential of your home.
Outside
- Address numbers need to be clearly visible from the street
- No grass, weeds or rubbish near any structures
- Keep branches clear from electrical lines
- Have a spark arrestor on your chimney to prevent hot embers from landing on the roof
- No leaves or pine needles on roofs or gutters
- 10-foot clearance from chimney tops to trees or anything close
- Swimming pools and spas fenced
Garage
- No open containers of paint or flammable solvents
- All gasoline should be stored in safety bins or cans
- Combustible oily rags should be stored in metal cans with lids
- ABC rated fire extinguisher readily accessible
- Pesticides, poisons and cleaners should be kept out of harm's way
- Safety equipment, goggles and gloves present and in use
- Extension cords unplugged after each use
Laundry/utility rooms
- Hot water heaters should be set at 125 degrees to avoid hot water burns
- No flammable materials should be within three feet of a water heater or furnace
- Dryer should be vented outside and free of lint accumulation
- Dangerous cleaning agents out of children's reach
Kitchen
- All stove and oven pilots should be lit
- Hood fan and broiler pan should be free of grease buildup
- Turn all pan handles inward to prevent accidental burns to yourself and to children
- ABC rated fire extinguisher readily available
Bathrooms
- Medications and cleaners should be kept out of reach of children
- Infants should be supervised at all times when taking baths or near the toilet bowl
Living areas/bedrooms
- Matches and lighters should be kept out of reach of children
- Smoke detectors should be installed in every room and in hallways
- Smoke detector batteries should be checked periodically and changed twice a year
- Have at least two exits available from every room, and conduct regular exit drills
- Iron security bars should be equipped with an interior emergency release device
- No "octopus" outlets or overloaded sockets
- No extension cords under rugs or tacked to walls
- A fireplace screen in place, and the chimney leaned periodically
