SLOW DOWN WHEN DRIVING IN WINTER CONDITIONS.

Home Fire Safety Checklist

Protect Your Home and Family

Regular fire safety inspections of your home can identify and eliminate hazards before they cause a fire. This comprehensive checklist guides you through every room and area of your home, helping you spot potential dangers and take corrective action.

Use this checklist at least twice a year – we recommend during daylight saving time changes (spring and fall) when you’re already changing smoke alarm batteries. Print a copy, walk through your home, and check off each item. Any items you can’t check should become immediate action items.

How to Use This Checklist

  • Print or save this page for easy reference during your home inspection
  • Schedule regular inspections – at minimum twice per year, ideally quarterly
  • Involve the whole family – make it a learning experience for children
  • Address issues immediately – don’t delay correcting hazards you identify
  • Keep a record – note the date of each inspection and any actions taken
  • Request help if needed – contact Baldwin Fire Rescue for assistance or questions

Safety Score Guide

Count the number of items you can check “yes” to and compare to these levels:

90-100%

Excellent – Your home has strong fire safety measures in place

75-89%

Good – Address the remaining items to improve your safety

60-74%

Fair – Significant improvements needed to adequately protect your family

Below 60%

Critical – Your home has serious fire safety deficiencies requiring immediate attention

Fire Detection and Escape Planning

🚨

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms installed on every level of the home
CRITICAL
Including basement, all floors, and attic if used for living or storage. Minimum three alarms for most homes.

Smoke alarms inside every bedroom
CRITICAL
Each sleeping room needs its own alarm. People sleep through hallway alarms, especially with doors closed.

Smoke alarms outside each sleeping area
CRITICAL
In hallways leading to bedrooms. If multiple bedrooms share a hall, one alarm in that hall is sufficient.

All smoke alarms are interconnected
IMPORTANT
When one alarm sounds, all alarms sound. This can be hardwired or wireless interconnection. Provides earliest warning throughout home.

Smoke alarms are tested monthly
CRITICAL
Press and hold test button until alarm sounds. Test ALL alarms every month. Mark your calendar or set phone reminder.
Frequency: Monthly

Smoke alarm batteries replaced annually
CRITICAL
Replace batteries once a year even if alarm isn’t chirping. Exception: 10-year sealed battery alarms don’t need battery replacement.
Frequency: Annually (suggest during daylight saving time change)

All smoke alarms are less than 10 years old
CRITICAL
Check manufacture date on back of alarm. Replace entire alarm unit every 10 years – sensors degrade over time.

Smoke alarms are clean and dust-free
RECOMMENDED
Vacuum around alarm vents annually. Dust can interfere with sensor operation and cause false alarms.
Frequency: Annually

Specialty alarms for hearing impaired (if needed)
CRITICAL
Strobe light alarms or vibrating bed shakers for those who cannot hear standard alarms. Must meet UL standards.

🔔

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

CO alarm installed on every level with sleeping area
CRITICAL
Required if you have fuel-burning appliances (furnace, water heater, fireplace, etc.) or attached garage.

CO alarms installed outside sleeping areas
CRITICAL
In hallways leading to bedrooms. Provides warning while sleeping when CO poisoning is most dangerous.

CO alarms tested monthly and batteries replaced annually
CRITICAL
Same testing schedule as smoke alarms. Don’t skip this – CO is invisible and odorless.
Test monthly, replace batteries annually

CO alarms replaced according to manufacturer date
IMPORTANT
CO alarms expire after 5-7 years depending on model. Check manufacture date and replace as recommended.

🚪

Escape Planning

Family has written home fire escape plan
CRITICAL
Floor plan showing two ways out of every room, with escape routes marked and outside meeting place identified.

Every bedroom has two ways out
CRITICAL
Door and window, or door and alternate path. Both routes must be accessible and known to all occupants.

All windows open easily and are not blocked
CRITICAL
Windows are not painted shut, locked, or blocked by furniture or security bars. Everyone can operate them.

Escape ladders available for upper floor bedrooms
CRITICAL
UL-certified escape ladders stored in or near upper floor bedrooms. Family members trained in their use.

Outside meeting place established and known to all
CRITICAL
Specific location (tree, mailbox, neighbor’s driveway) where everyone meets after escaping. Not “front yard.”

Family practices fire drills at least twice a year
CRITICAL
Practice at night when people are sleeping. Include all family members. Time the drill – should be under 2 minutes.
Frequency: Minimum twice per year, preferably quarterly

All family members know to Get Out and Stay Out
CRITICAL
Never go back inside for any reason – not for people, pets, or possessions. Tell firefighters who’s inside.

Everyone knows how to crawl low under smoke
CRITICAL
Practice getting low and crawling. Cleaner air is near the floor. Smoke rises and contains toxic gases.

Family knows to test doors before opening
IMPORTANT
Feel door and doorknob with back of hand. If hot, use alternate escape route. Never open hot doors.

Plan includes calling 911 from outside
CRITICAL
Designate who calls 911. Call from outside, from cell phone or neighbor’s phone. Never delay escape to call.

🧯

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguisher in kitchen
IMPORTANT
ABC or BC rated extinguisher near kitchen exit. Not right next to stove where fire might block access.

Fire extinguisher in garage/workshop
RECOMMENDED
ABC rated extinguisher near garage exit. Essential if you have flammable liquids or work with tools.

All extinguishers are fully charged
IMPORTANT
Pressure gauge needle in green zone. If not, recharge or replace immediately. Check monthly.
Check monthly

Family members know PASS technique
IMPORTANT
Pull pin, Aim at base of fire, Squeeze handle, Sweep side to side. Also know when NOT to fight fire – escape first.

Extinguishers easily accessible and visible
IMPORTANT
Mounted on wall or in known location. Not buried in cabinets or closets. Can be reached quickly in emergency.

Room-by-Room Safety Checklist

🍳

Kitchen

Never leave cooking unattended
CRITICAL
Stay in kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling. Remain in home when simmering or baking. Use timers.

Stovetop and oven are clean and grease-free
IMPORTANT
Built-up grease can ignite. Clean spills immediately. Clean oven and stovetop regularly.

Pot handles turned inward when cooking
IMPORTANT
Prevents pots from being knocked off stove. Especially important with children present.

Flammable items kept away from stove
CRITICAL
Dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging, cookbooks, and wooden utensils kept away from burners.

Appliance cords in good condition
IMPORTANT
No frayed, cracked, or damaged cords on toasters, coffee makers, microwaves, etc. Replace damaged cords immediately.

Small appliances unplugged when not in use
RECOMMENDED
Toasters, coffee makers, blenders unplugged between uses. Prevents fires from electrical malfunctions.

Range hood filters clean
RECOMMENDED
Grease buildup in filters is fire hazard. Clean or replace filters every 1-3 months.
Clean every 1-3 months

Lid kept nearby when cooking with grease
CRITICAL
To smother grease fire if it occurs. Never throw water on grease fire – use lid or fire extinguisher.

🛋️

Living Room / Family Room

Space heaters at least 3 feet from anything combustible
CRITICAL
Clear of furniture, curtains, papers, pets, children. Never use extension cord with space heater.

Space heaters turned off when leaving room or sleeping
CRITICAL
Never leave space heaters unattended. Unplug when not in use.

Electrical outlets not overloaded
IMPORTANT
No more than one high-wattage device per outlet. Use surge protectors, not cheap power strips.

Extension cords not run under rugs or furniture
IMPORTANT
Creates fire hazard through damaged insulation. Use only as temporary solution. Don’t daisy-chain multiple cords.

Fireplace/chimney cleaned and inspected annually
CRITICAL
Professional chimney sweep before each heating season. Creosote buildup causes chimney fires.
Annually before heating season

Fireplace screen in place when fire is burning
CRITICAL
Prevents sparks and embers from escaping. Keep screen closed until fire is completely out.

Candles never left burning unattended
CRITICAL
Extinguish before leaving room or going to sleep. Use sturdy holders on stable surfaces. Keep away from children and pets.

Candles at least 12 inches from flammable materials
CRITICAL
Away from curtains, decorations, books, papers, bedding. Consider flameless LED candles as safer alternative.

Electronics have adequate ventilation
RECOMMENDED
TVs, game consoles, streaming devices not enclosed or stacked. Overheating can cause fires.

🛏️

Bedrooms

Sleep with bedroom doors closed
CRITICAL
Closed doors slow fire and smoke spread, providing extra time to escape. Can save your life.

No smoking in bed – ever
CRITICAL
Leading cause of fire deaths. Smoking in bed, when drowsy, or when medicated is deadly.

No space heaters in bedrooms
CRITICAL
Too dangerous while sleeping. Use central heat or electric blanket instead. Never use space heater all night.

Devices charged on hard surfaces, not beds
IMPORTANT
Phones, tablets, laptops charged on nightstand or desk, never under pillows or on bedding. Use manufacturer chargers only.

Windows can open easily for escape
CRITICAL
Not painted shut or locked. All occupants, including children, can operate windows. Security bars have quick-release.

Escape routes not blocked by furniture
CRITICAL
Clear path to door and window. No furniture blocking escape routes.

Matches and lighters locked away from children
CRITICAL
Children as young as 2 can start fires. Keep all ignition sources secured and out of reach.

👕

Laundry Room

Dryer lint filter cleaned before every load
CRITICAL
Clean before AND after each load. Lint is highly flammable and cause of thousands of dryer fires annually.
Before and after every load

Dryer vent professionally cleaned annually
CRITICAL
Lint builds up in ductwork even with filter cleaning. Professional cleaning prevents fires and improves efficiency.
Annually, more often with heavy use

Dryer vent is rigid or semi-rigid metal
IMPORTANT
Never use plastic or foil ducts – they’re fire hazards. Replace with rigid or semi-rigid metal ductwork.

Dryer not run when leaving home or sleeping
RECOMMENDED
Be home and awake when dryer is running so you can respond to problems immediately.

Area around dryer kept clear
IMPORTANT
No clothing, cleaning products, or flammable materials stored on or around dryer.

🔧

Garage / Workshop / Basement

Flammable liquids stored in approved containers
CRITICAL
Gasoline, paint thinner, solvents in UL-approved safety cans. Never in glass or unapproved plastic containers.

Gasoline never stored in home or basement
CRITICAL
Store in detached garage or shed only, in approved containers, away from ignition sources.

Oily rags properly disposed or stored in metal container
CRITICAL
Rags with oil-based stain/paint can spontaneously combust. Dry flat outdoors, then store in sealed metal container with water.

Area around furnace/water heater clear (3 feet)
CRITICAL
No storage of any kind near appliances. Pilot lights can ignite flammable vapors or materials.

Furnace/heating system serviced annually
IMPORTANT
Professional inspection and maintenance before each heating season. Prevents fires and CO poisoning.
Annually before heating season

Power tools unplugged when not in use
RECOMMENDED
Prevents accidental starts and electrical fires. Store tools safely and inspect cords for damage.

Electrical panel accessible and labeled
IMPORTANT
Clear access to panel (3 feet). All circuits labeled. Know how to shut off power in emergency.

🏡

General Home / Electrical

All electrical cords in good condition
IMPORTANT
No frayed, cracked, or damaged cords anywhere in home. Replace damaged cords immediately – don’t tape them.

Outlets and switches not warm to touch
IMPORTANT
Warm outlets/switches indicate electrical problem. Call electrician immediately. Unplug devices from warm outlets.

No flickering lights or frequent circuit breaker trips
IMPORTANT
Indicates electrical problems. Have licensed electrician inspect. Never replace fuses/breakers with larger capacity.

Light bulbs correct wattage for fixtures
IMPORTANT
Check fixture labels for maximum wattage. Over-wattage bulbs overheat and can ignite fixtures. Use LED bulbs when possible.

Home address visible from street
IMPORTANT
Numbers at least 4 inches tall, contrasting color, visible day and night. Helps firefighters find you quickly.

Hallways and stairs kept clear
CRITICAL
No clutter blocking escape routes. Shoes, toys, boxes removed from pathways.

🌳

Exterior / Yard

Debris and leaves cleared from around home
IMPORTANT
Remove dead vegetation, leaves, pine needles within 30 feet of home. Wildfire and general fire prevention.
Seasonally, especially before fire season

Gutters cleaned of leaves and debris
RECOMMENDED
Dry leaves in gutters can ignite from embers or sparks. Clean gutters at least twice a year.
Twice annually minimum

Firewood stored at least 30 feet from home
IMPORTANT
Not stacked against house. Dry wood is fuel for fire. Store away from structures.

Grill at least 10 feet from house and structures
CRITICAL
Away from deck railings, eaves, overhangs. Never grill in garage or enclosed porch.

Propane tank connections tight and no leaks
IMPORTANT
Check with soapy water for bubbles indicating leaks. Store tanks upright, outdoors only.

What to Do After Completing This Checklist

Fix Hazards Immediately

Don’t delay addressing issues you identified. Replace damaged cords, install missing alarms, clean dryer vents – today.

Schedule Professional Help

If you need chimney cleaning, furnace service, or electrical inspection, schedule it now. Don’t wait.

Schedule Next Inspection

Put your next home fire safety inspection on the calendar. Aim for every 6 months minimum.

Share with Family

Review your findings with all family members. Make fire safety a family priority.

Practice Your Escape Plan

If you identified escape route problems, fix them and then practice your fire drill.

Teach Your Children

Use the checklist as a teaching tool. Walk kids through fire safety basics and make sure they know what to do.

Congratulations on Taking This Important Step!

By completing this fire safety checklist, you’ve taken meaningful action to protect your home and loved ones. Fire safety is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time task. Make it a habit to regularly review your home’s fire safety, address issues promptly, and keep fire prevention top of mind.

Your vigilance can save lives. Thank you for making fire safety a priority.