Home Fire Safety Checklist

Rossford Fire & Rescue Department

Do you keep matches away from sources of heat? YES  NO

Do you make sure matches and smoking materials are out before disposing of them? YES  NO

Do you have plenty of large, noncombustible ashtrays in every room?  YES  NO

Is "No Smoking In Bed" a rule in your home?  YES  NO

Electrical Hazards

Do you have qualified electricians install or extend your wiring?  YES  NO

When you buy electrical equipment and appliances, do you always check for the UL label?  YES  NO

Are there enough electrical outlets in every room to avoid the need for multiple attachment pugs and long extension cords?  YES  NO

Are there proper heat controls on your electric iron and all electric appliances used for cooking?  YES  NO

Do you have special circuits for heavy duty appliances?  YES  NO

Do you use only 15 amp fuses for your household lightning circuits?  YES  NO

Are all extension cords of the right size, in the open and not under rugs or through partitions or openings?  YES  NO

Housekeeping Hazards

Do you keep your basement, closets and attic clear of rags, papers and other combustible materials?  YES  NO

After using oily rags, do you destroy them or place them in covered metal cans?  YES  NO

If you store paint, varnish and other items, do you keep the containers tightly closed?  YES  NO

Has everyone in your family been warned to never use gasoline or other flammable liquids for cleaning clothes, furnishings or floors?  YES  NO

If you use oil or gas heat, is the equipment listed by the proper laboratories such as UL or the American Gas Association?  YES  NO

Before the heating season begins, do you have your heating system inspected and serviced?  YES  NO

If you have a wood burning stove, has it been installed properly according to manufacturers instructions?  YES  NO

Do you burn seasoned wood and is it stored in the right place?  YES  NO

Are all vent connectors and flue pipes that pass through attics, floors, ceilings and walls properly installed?  YES  NO

Is your kitchen stove, including the oven and the broiler kept clean of grease?  YES  NO

Do all portable heaters in your home bear the UL label or some other recognized safety testing agency?  YES  NO

If you use a portable heater, is it placed well away from any and all combustible materials?  YES   NO

Do you always refill the fuel tank of your kerosene heater outdoors?  YES  NO

Since portable kerosene heaters use up oxygen when they burn, do you always have adequate ventilation?  YES  NO

Do you always turn off the portable heaters when you go to bed?  YES  NO

Do you make sure that fuel is not contaminated prior to using it in your kerosene heater?  YES  NO

Is your inside basement door at the head of the stairs properly fitted and kept closed at night?  YES  NO

Has everyone in your family been warned never to use any flammable liquids to start a fire in the stove, fireplace or furnace?  YES  NO

Is every fireplace equipped with a sturdy metal fire screen?  YES  NO

Do you keep your yard cleaned of leaves, debris and combustible rubbish?  YES  NO

If you keep gasoline for use in a power mower or outboard motor, is it stored in a strong, clearly labeled red gasoline safety-type can?  YES  NO

If your garage is attached to the house, is it separated by a fire rated door which is kept closed?  YES  NO

If you store kerosene, is it placed in an approved blue and white container that is clearly labeled kerosene?  YES  NO

Especially for Parents

Do you keep matches out of the reach of children?  YES  NO

Do you leave a responsible person with your children when you go out, even for a little while?  YES  NO

When you employ babysitters, do you instruct them carefully on what to do in case of a fire?  YES  NO

Are you careful never to leave children alone in a room with a portable heater or wood stove?  YES  NO

IMPORTANT: A child learns by example as well as instruction. In regard to fire safety, do you always set a good example?  YES  NO

In Case of Fire

Do you know the telephone number of your fire department?  YES  NO

Do you know how to turn in a fire alarm?  YES  NO

Do you have an escape plan with at least two ways out of every room in your home?  YES  NO

Have you practiced that escape plan by holding fire drills in your home?  YES  NO

Smoke Detectors

Do you have a smoke detector installed on every level of your home?  YES  NO

Do you test your detector weekly to insure that it is in proper working order?  YES  NO