BYRON FIRE DEPARTMENT

103 GA Highway 49 South
Byron, GA

Phone: 478-956-3611
Email: chief@byronfirerescue.org

EMERGENCY: Call 911
Home Fire Safety Inspection Checklist
 
HEATING HAZARDS:
  

Combustibles like clothes, curtains and furniture are away from stoves and heaters.

Heating appliances are tested every year.

There is a screen in front of the fireplace.

Ashes are emptied into covered metal containers.

All alternative heating devices used are UL listed.

 
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS:
  

Electric cords are checked to be sure they are not worn,frayed or damaged.

Extension cords are not run under rugs, over nails, through water or across passageways.

Proper size fuses are used in all sockets.

Each circuit is properly marked.

Electrical outlets are not over-loaded by multiple plug devices.

Electrical appliances are not used near water.
 
GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING HAZARDS:
  

Closets, basements, attics and garage areas are cleared of old papers, boxes, paint cans, and other trash.

Rubbish is thrown away regularly.

Everyone in the family knows NOT to use a flammable liquid, like gasoline, for cleaning.

Flammable liquids and oily rags are disposed of after use or stored in a tightly closed metal container.

All combustibles are stored a safe distance away from any possible heat source (furnace, hot water heater, etc.).

Clean the lint tray on your clothes dryer after each use and don't forget to clean the lint inside the air exhaust hose attached to the back of your dryer every 6 months.
SMOKING HAZARDS:
  

Matches and lighters are kept out of reach of children.

Smokers use ashtrays that are large, deep and won't burn.

NEVER smoke in bed.
 
KITCHEN HAZARDS:
  

The kitchen is kept clean all the time.

The stove and oven are in good working condition.

The stove area is kept clean and free of grease.

Ignitable materials (like towels and potholders) are kept away from open flames.

NEVER leave cooking food unattended on the stove.
 
GENERAL FIRE SAFETY:
  

The house address is clearly posted in large numbers that are easy to read from the street.

There is a working smoke detector near the sleeping areas.

There is a smoke detector on every level.

The smoke detector is cleaned regularly and tested once a month.

Make sure that all family members know the emergency number for fire and rescue - 911.

You have portable fire extinguishers suitable for in-home use. (multi-purpose extinguishers are recommended)

Everyone in the family knows how to use the fire extinguishers properly.

Develop a family escape plan and practice it.

Teach children the techniques of stop, drop and roll.

 
 
If your home does not pass the above checklist, sit down with your family and discuss the problems and how they can be corrected. Take this opportunity to create fire safety awareness in ALL family members and at the same time, make your home a safer place to live.
  
Source: Pembroke Pines (FL) Fire Department's web site