Home Fire Safety Checklist

  • Check the batteries in your smoke detectors often. Keep extra batteries on hand and replace them at least once per year.
  • Check the wiring. Have a professional electrician check for faulty wiring, especially if you own an older home.
  • Check your dryer hose. Lint build-up can cause overheating. Clean the hose and dryer annually. Hard or rigid-pipe is much safer than vinyl or aluminum foil exhaust tube.
  • Check your smoke detectors. Replace any that are 10 years or older.
  • Keep detectors away from heating and cooling ducts, and at least 6 inches from where walls and ceiling meet.
  • Keep fire extinguishers handy. Make sure there's at least 1 on each floor - especially near the kitchen, garage, laundry room, and workshop.
  • Maintain a safe fireplace and chimney. Clean the fireplace regularly and have the chimney cleaned and inspected annually.
  • Position detectors smartly. Place at least 1 smoke detector on every level of your house and near areas where you and your family sleep.
  • Talk with your family and make sure everyone knows what to do in case a fire breaks out. Create a fire safety plan, with a designated meeting place. Practice a home fire drill.