Home Fire Safety Checklist

Knowledge is Safety

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
Make sure everyone can hear the sound of the smoke alarms.
Have a home fire escape plan. Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible, and a meeting place outside. Practice your escape plan twice a year.
When the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out.
If you are building or remodeling your home, consider a residential fire sprinkler system.

If you smoke, choose fire-safe cigarettes if they are available in your area.
If you smoke, smoke outside.
Wherever you smoke, use deep, sturdy ashtrays.
Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used.
Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet, out of the reach of children.

Keep candles at least 12 inches form anything that can burn.
Use sturdy, safe candle holders.
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Blow out candles when you leave a room.
Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.
Use flashlights for emergency lighting.

Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period time, turn off the stove.
Keep anything that can catch fire – potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags – away form your stove-top.
Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire.
Always keep an oven mitt and lid handy. If a small fire starts in a pan on the stove, put on the oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don't remove the lid until it is completely cool.