- Fire Prevention All Over Your Home -
Most fatal fires are home fires. Take a tour of your home and use this checklist to see how safe your household is from fire.

In the Kitchen

Do cooks stay in the kitchen while cooking?
YES	NO
Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires.
Is the stove top clean and uncluttered?
YES	NO
Greasy or cluttered stove tops can lead to fires. Clean your stove's surfaces routinely and keep towels, cooking utensils, food, packaging, recipes and other flammable objects away from your burners. The oven and broiler should be clean. Greasy buildup or spilled food can catch fire.
Are there oven mitts within easy reach of the stove?
YES	NO
Using oven mitts prevents burns and spilled food that could catch fire.
Is the pan lid within easy reach?
YES	NO
If a pan of food catches fire, slide a lid over the pan to smother the flame, then turn off the burner.
Are your electrical appliances in good condition?
YES	NO
Replace or service any appliance that shows warning signs: gives you a shock when you touch it, gets too hot, or gives off smoke or a smell when in use . Replace frayed or cracked electrical cords.
Are the electrical loads on outlets properly limited?
YES	NO
No more that one heat-producing appliance (toaster etc.) should be plugged into an outlet.

In Living Areas

If someone in the house smokes, do you have a large, deep, non-tip ashtrays?
YES	NO
Be sure to dispose of ashes properly.
Are portable and other space heaters at least one meter from anything that can burn?
YES	NO
Turn space heaters off before you go to bed or leave home. Closely supervise children and pets around all heating equipment.
Do you have a sturdy screen on your fireplace?
YES	NO
A heavy metal screen or built-in glass doors helps contain fireplace fires and keep sparks from flying into the room.
Is your chimney clean?
YES	NO
Each year, have your chimney professionally inspected and clean out any creosote deposits. To minimize buildup, burn only dry, seasoned hard wood in fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. Never burn trash either.
Are matches and lighters out of reach of children?
YES	NO
Matches and lighters should be kept up high and out of sight in a drawer or cabinet, preferably locked, away from the reach of curious children.

Workshops, Storage Areas, and Outdoors

Are flammable liquids stored safely?
YES	NO
Never use or bring gasoline inside the home. Store gasoline in an outside shed or detached garage - in small quantities in safety cans, labeled and approved for gasoline storage. Always store paint and other flammable liquids in their original, labeled containers with tight fitting lids. Use and store flammable liquids far away from appliances, heaters, pilot lights, and other sources of heat or flame.
Are fuses and circuit breakers the right size?
YES	NO
Never replace a fuse or circuit breaker with one that exceeds the circuit's amperage rating. And never replace a fuse with a penny or other conductive material.
Are outdoor power supplies safe?
YES	NO
Outdoor receptacles should be weatherproof and protected by a ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
Do you have a working portable fire extinguisher?
YES	NO
Install your extinguisher on a wall away from your stove, near a door, and out of children's reach. Check your extinguishers once a month, following manufacturer's instructions.