HOUSEHOLD
SAFETY CHECKLIST
FIRE ELECTRIC
☐ Install and test smoke detectors & carbon ☐ Clean and electrical appliances as
monoxide detectors as recommended. manufacturers recommend.
☐ Change smoke alarm batteries every year ☐ Sign up for alerts from local weather
unless they have a long-life battery. Replace stations in the event of a weather
smoke alarms every ten years. emergency.
☐ Prepare a fire escape plan and practice drills ☐ Place flashlights and backup batteries in
with the entire family. nightstands and other areas of the home.
☐ Keep furniture, curtains, dish towels, and
flammable materials at least three feet from
Check electrical sources for needed
any heat source.
repairs
☐ Use a fireproof and waterproof safe for ☐ Replace outlet covers if they are damaged or
your valuables. missing.
☐ Place fire extinguishers in the home; ☐ Install ground circuit interrupters near water
inspect and learn how to use them as areas such as the kitchen, bath, laundry, and
recommended. garage.
☐ Assemble a disaster kit, store it in a safe ☐ Keep small appliances away from water
place and refill it every 6 months if needed. sources.
☐ Place an escape ladder near any window or ☐ Don’t overload outlets with too many
balcony above ground level. electrical plugs.
☐ Place fire starter items in a safe place and ☐ Check all cords and wiring for damage.
away from open flames such as lighters,
stovetops, and candles.
☐ Store chemicals and flammables safely,
away from open flames and out of reach of
children. Read all labels before using them
and become familiar with warnings and
safe disposal recommendations.
GAS PLUMBING & WATER
☐ Clean and inspect gas appliances as ☐ Look for signs of water damage in the attic,
manufacturers recommend. basement, and crawl spaces.
Follow gas leak warning steps if you ☐ Check faucets, bibs, toilets, hose bibs, and
smell gas or rotten eggs shutoff valves for leaks.
☐ Do NOT turn anything on or off that has ☐
a power source. Check the sprinkler system for leaks.
☐ Leave the home immediately. ☐ Clean and inspect your dehumidifier.
☐ Call 911 once you are outside, not from ☐ Set the water temperature to 120 degrees
the home telephone. Fahrenheit or lower for burn prevention.
Use child safety or anti-scald devices on hot
water faucets where needed.
☐ Have a professional check your water
pressure and look for signs of leaks or
poorly conditioned pipes.
☐ Never pour chemicals down the drain.
Dispose of chemicals as recommended on
the label.
☐ Don’t pour grease down the drain. Allow it
to cool in a heat-tolerant container, then
throw it in the trash.
GARAGE GROUNDS & STRUCTURE
☐ Store tools and sharp equipment properly ☐ Inspect windows, doors, walls, and
to prevent injury. foundations for cracks or damage.
☐ Place all chemicals and gasoline away from ☐ Inspect and repair the attic for water
open flames. Drain equipment when not damage, electrical damage, and loose wires.
in use. Clean spills immediately. Insulate where needed for energy savings.
☐ Use safety control buttons to lock ☐ Eliminate standing water from your
equipment. Inspect equipment for proper property to avoid attracting unwanted bugs
function and loose parts. and animals.
☐ Store ladders away from children’s reach. ☐ Trim bushes, shrubs, and trees regularly.
☐ Store items that may be harmful to ☐ Remove leaves, debris, and roots from
children, such as batteries, small items, gutters, vents, and outdoor heating and air
cords, or hose. conditioning units.
Include the garage in your home’s ☐ Call professionals for pest and termite
alarm monitoring system control.
☐ Use the lock on your garage door opener ☐ Install a fence with a locking gate around
to prevent other remotes from opening it. swimming pools.
☐ Consider installing a garage door opener ☐ Inspect and repair decks, stairs, railings, roof,
cover to keep small children from opening chimney, downspouts, drains, gutters, and
the door. flashing.
☐ Inspect the basement and crawl spaces for
Practice car safety in the garage water damage, mold, and mildew.
☐ Keep valuables and harmful products out
of the car such as medicines, firearms, and
choking hazards.
☐ Keep the car locked while in the garage to
keep small children out of it.
☐ Keep car keys stored in a safe place, out of
the reach of children.
☐ Hide extra keys to your car and home in
the garage or give them to a trusted family
member or neighbor.
