Fire Prevention Checklist: Home Fire Safety Saves Lives

Everyone should be aware of how to protect him or herself in case of a house fire. Home fire safety needs to be part of every family’s emergency plan. Even small children can learn the basics of fire safety and prevention. Most home fires are caused by careless actions and could have been prevented. Yet fires occur in thousands of homes and affect many lives every year. There are some important fire safety tips that help prevent fires. Use this fire prevention checklist to assist in making your home as safe as possible.

• Install smoke detectors in every room and hallway. Smoke detectors are the single most important item that can help save lives in the case of a fire—a home fire safety must-have. Smoke detectors give early warning to people so that they can escape a burning building quickly.
• Check smoke detectors every month. Don’t let non-working smoke detectors hamper your home fire safety. A smoke detector has an easy test button that allows you to make sure it is working properly. Change the batteries every year whether they need it or not.
• Keep fire extinguishers available. Make sure that you have the proper type of fire extinguishers. For example, the kitchen needs an extinguisher designed for use on grease fires.
• Create a home fire emergency evacuation plan. This should include possible escape routes, as well as a location outside the home to be used as a meeting place for the family. Practice evacuation so that all family members know what to do in case of a fire. Home fire safety means planning ahead.
• When using candles, make sure to extinguish them completely before leaving the room. Never leave unattended candles burning.
• Many house fires begin in the kitchen. Don’t leave the kitchen with the burners or broiler on. Never leave the house while cooking – always turn the burners off. This is a critical element in fire safety tips.
• Be prepared for a grease fire by keeping flour near the cooking area. Flour can be used to successfully snuff out a grease fire quickly and easily. Also, keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Don’t try to put out a grease fire with water, as this will only spread the fire.
• Electrical fires are commonly associated with overuse of outlets. For optimum home fire safety, don’t plug too many things into one outlet. Use extension cords carefully and plug only one item into an extension cord.
• Space heaters can create a fire. Don’t use space heaters on carpeting or near curtains or bedding. Always place heaters on a secure surface, and plug them directly into the wall rather than into an extension cord, which typically can’t handle them.
• Unplug appliances when not in use. Irons and toasters should be unplugged except during use. Don’t put irons down directly onto the ironing board surface.
• Keep all matches and lighters out of reach of young children. Children are often curious and can quickly burn themselves or start a fire.
• Properly dispose of items such as old paint, turpentine and gasoline. These can become combustible no matter where they are stored, and disposing of them when you’re finished using them is a home fire security must.
• Keep a fire prevention kit on each level of your home. The kit should contain a fire extinguisher, fire blanket and flashlight (specially designed to be used in smoke). Keep extra fire extinguishers in every bathroom cabinet for easy use.

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