Fire Safe Home

Take a few minutes to walk through your home and use the following checklist (PDF) to make sure your home is fire-safe.

Alternative Heaters

  • Use heaters only in well-ventilated rooms.
  • Place heaters where they will not be knocked over easily.
  • Do not use heaters to dry clothing or other items.
  • Keep heaters at a safe distance from curtains, furniture, and all combustibles.

Kerosene Heaters

  • Kerosene heaters are illegal to use in a residence.
  • Fill only with K-1 kerosene and never use gasoline or camp stove fuel.
  • Refuel kerosene heaters outdoors and when they're cool.

Wood Stoves & Fireplaces

  • Only use seasoned wood and never use green wood, artificial logs, or trash.
  • Always use a protective screen.
  • Clean interiors, hearths, and chimneys yearly.

Safe Cooking Practices

  • Don't leave food unattended on the stove.
  • Keep dangling clothing away from burners.
  • Keep appliances clean and free of grease and crumbs.
  • Keep curtains and other combustibles away from the stove.
  • Make sure the stove is off and small appliances are unplugged before going to bed.

Smoke Detectors

  • Place smoke detectors in every bedroom and hallways outside bedrooms.
  • Test the batteries monthly.
  • Change batteries when you change your clocks at Daylight Savings Time.
  • Place smoke detectors at least four to six inches away from walls and corners.
  • Keep away from bathrooms and kitchens to prevent false alarms.

Electrical Wiring

  • Replace wiring if it's frayed or cracked.
  • Do not place wiring under rugs, over nails, or in high traffic areas.
  • Avoid overloading outlets and make sure they stay cool to the touch.
  • Keep covers over electric plates and avoid exposed wiring.

Electric Space Heaters

  • Plug heaters directly into the wall socket and not into extension cords.
  • Unplug heaters when they're not being used.

Safe Smoking Habits

  • Never smoke in bed.
  • Keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture and curtains.
  • Always attend burning cigarettes.

Children & Fire Safety

  • Keep lighters and matches away from children.
  • Teach children how to call for emergency assistance (911).
  • Use safety plugs in electrical outlets.

Home Fire Escape Plan

  • Have an escape plan and make sure all family members know it.
  • Practice the plan every six months.
  • Keep emergency numbers, a whistle, and a flashlight near the telephone.
  • Identify an outside meeting place and never return into a burning building.
  • Know how to call for emergency assistance (911).

Fire Safety Technology

  • Keep a fire extinguisher handy, especially in the kitchen.
  • Consider installing residential fire sprinklers.