Fire Safety Checklist
This Home Fire Safety Checklist was developed by the U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an independentregulatory agency of the U.S. Government.
The Commission has four statutory missions:
— to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury associated with consumer products;
— to assist consumers in evaluating the comparative safety of consumer products;
— to develop uniform safety standards for consumer products and minimize conflicting state and local regulations; and
— to promote research and investigation into the causes and prevention of product-related deaths, injuries and illnesses.
It has jurisdiction over more than 15,000 consumerproducts used in the home, school and in public places. Amongthe products not subject to the Commission’s authority arefood, drugs, automobiles, tobacco, and fire arms. TheCommission administers five safety laws: The Consumer ProductSafety Act, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the FlammableFabrics Act, the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, and theRefrigerator Act.
CPSC began operation on May 14, 1973. It is headed bythree Commissioners appointed by the President with the adviceand consent of the Senate.
On October 29, 1973, the Commission instituted a toll-freeHotline to make it easier for consumers to reportproduct-related injuries or potentially hazardous products, andto get information on recalled products seven days a week, 24hours a day. You may call the Commission’s Hotline fromanywhere in the continental U.S. by dialing 1-800-638-2772. Ateletypewriter for the hearing impaired is also available(including Alaska and Hawaii) on a special Hotline number1-800-638-8270, in Maryland only dial 1-800-492-8104. To orderpublications, write to the Office of Information and PublicAffairs, Washington, DC 20207.
Introduction
The United States has one of the highest fire death andinjury rates in the world. Fire–in the form of flames andsmoke–is the second leading cause of accidental death in thehome.
More than 4,000 people die each year in home fires. Everyyear, there are more than 500,000 residential fires seriousenough to be reported to fire departments. More than 90 percentof residential fire deaths and injuries result from fires inone and two family houses and apartments. Property lossesexceed 4 billion dollars annually, and the long term emotionaldamage to victims and their loved ones is incalculable.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) hastargeted the principal consumer products associated with fires,namely home heating devices, upholstered furniture, bedding,cigarette lighters, matches, and wearing apparel. TheCommission is participating in a special Congressionallyauthorized study of cigarette-ignited fires, which cause moredeaths than any other kind of fire. The Commission continues topush for extensive use of smoke detectors. With the help ofconcerned consumers, the number of residential fires hasdeclined about 30 percent since 1980.
The CPSC is fulfilling its role to make productsinherently more fire safe. We recognize that much more can bedone to cut down on the needlessly high and tragic fire toll byan alert and informed public. Many of the injuries associatedwith flammable products result from hazards that areoverlooked. Fire experts agree that one key to fewer fires is agreater awareness of how accidents can be prevented. Byspotting these hazards and taking some simple precautions, manyfires and fire-related injuries can be prevented.
Use this checklist as a safety guide to spot possible firesafety problems which may be present in your home. It is afirst step in reducing the risk of fire. Check YES or NO toanswer each question. If you check NO to any question, thepotential hazard should be corrected to avoid the risk ofinjury or death.
How safe is your home from fire?
PRODUCT SAFETY, IT’S NO ACCIDENT!
Sources of Fire
Supplemental Home Heating
The use of supplemental room heaters, such as wood andcoal burning stoves, kerosene heaters, gas space heaters andelectrical heaters, has decreased, along with the number ofresidential fires.
Even though there has been a decrease in fires associatedwith supplemental heaters, it is important to remember thatabout 120,000 residential fires still occur annually with theuse of these heaters, or about 22 percent of all residentialfires. These fires kill more than 600 people. Annually thereare thousands of contact burn injuries and hundreds of carbonmonoxide poisonings.
Wood Stoves
You should be able to respond “yes” to the followingsafety statements.
Yes No
1. The wood stove or fireplace has been installed according to existing building codes and manufacturer’s instructions. _____ _____
2. The chimney and stovepipe are checked frequently during the heating season for creosote buildup and are cleaned when necessary. _____ _____
3. The stove sits on a non-combustible or on a code-specified or listed floor protector. _____ _____
4. Combustibles such as curtains, chairs, firewood, etc., are at least three feet away from the stove. _____ _____
5. Only proper fuel is used in the stove. _____ _____
6. A metal container with a tight-fitting lid is used for ash removal. _____ _____
Recommendations:
* Do not use wood burning stoves and fireplaces unless they are properly installed and meet building codes.
* Follow the label instructions on the stove which recommends an inspection twice monthly. Have chimneys inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep. Creosote is an unavoidable product of wood burning stoves. Creosote builds up in chimney flues and can cause a chimney fire. To cut down on creosote buildup, avoid smoldering fires.
* Use a code-specified or listed floor protector. It should extend 18 inches beyond the stove on all sides. This will reduce the possibility of the floor being ignited.
* Follow the instructions on the stove label for proper location of the stove from combustible walls.
* Never burn trash in a stove because this could over heat the stove. Gasoline and other flammable liquids should never be used to start wood stove fires. Gasoline will ignite and explode. Use coal only if designated as appropriate by the manufacturer.
Kerosene Heaters
You should be able to respond “yes” to the followingsafety statements.
Yes No
1. Only 1-K kerosene is used and it is bought from a dealer who can certify that the product is 1-K kerosene. _____ _____
2. The heater is placed out of the path of traffic areas such as doorways and hallways. _____ _____
3. Kerosene is stored outdoors, and out of the reach of children in a tightly sealed, preferably blue plastic or metal container, labeled “kerosene.” _____ _____
4. No attempt is to be made to move the heater if flare-up (flames outside the heater cabinet) occurs. The fire department is called immediately. _____ _____
5. The heater is used in well ventilated rooms. _____ _____
6. The heater is turned off while sleeping and is never left operating unattended. _____ _____
7. The heater is placed at least three feet away from anything that might catch fire such as clothing, furniture, curtains, etc. _____ _____
Recommendations:
* Check with your local fire marshal regarding local and state codes and regulations for using a kerosene heater.
* NEVER USE GASOLINE. Even small amounts of gasoline mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of fire.
* Use properly labeled containers. It reduces the likelihood of mistaking gasoline for kerosene.
* Place heater so it will not be knocked over or trap you in case of fire.
* Use 1-K kerosene because grades other than 1-K contain much more sulfur and will increase sulfur dioxide emissions, posing a possible health problem. If you buy kerosene from a gasoline station make sure you and/or the attendant are using the kerosene pump, not the gasoline pump.
* Never fill the heater while it is operating. Always refuel the heater outdoors to prevent spillage on floors and rugs which could later result in fire ignition.
* Keep the room in which the heater operates ventilated (e.g. door open or the window ajar). This will prevent an indoor air pollution problem and minimize health problems. Kerosene heaters are not usually vented.
* Keep flammable liquids and fabrics away from an open flame.
* Never try to move the heater or try to smother the flames with a rug or a blanket if a flare-up occurs. Activate the manual shut-off switch and call the fire department. Moving the heater may increase the height of the flames and cause leakage resulting in personal injury.
Gas-Fired Space Heaters
You should be able to respond “yes” to the followingsafety statements.
Yes No
1. Only vented heaters are installed or used in sleeping quarters. _____ _____
2. Vented heaters are properly vented to the outside. _____ _____
3. The unvented gas-fired room heater has a warning label and instructions that are followed. _____ _____
4. The unvented gas-fired room heater has a label stating it has a “pilot safety system” which turns off the gas if not enough fresh air is available. _____ _____
5. The vented heater has a label stating that is equipped with a vent safety shutoff system. _____ _____
6. If the heater uses liquified petroleum (LP) gas, the container is located outside the house. _____ _____
7. The manufacturer’s instructions for lighting the pilot are followed. _____ _____
8. Matches are lighted before turning on the gas if pilot lighting is required. _____ _____
9. Flammable materials and liquids are kept away from gas heating appliances. _____ _____
Recommendations:
* Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding where and how to use gas space heaters. Unvented heaters should not be used in small enclosed areas, especially bedrooms because of the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.
* Do not use a propane heater (LP) which has a gas cylinder stored in the body of the heater. Its use is prohibited in most states and localities in the United States.
* Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for lighting the pilot. Gas vapors may accumulate and ignite explosively, burning your hand or face.
* Light matches, if needed for lighting the pilot, before turning on the gas to prevent gas buildup.
* Do not operate a vented style heater unvented. It could allow combustion products, including carbon monoxide, to reach dangerous levels which will result in illness and death.
Portable Electric Heaters
The Commission estimates that half the deaths andone-third of the injuries resulting from electric heater firesoccurred at night when family members were asleep and theheater unattended. The Commission is also concerned about theuse of power or extension cords which can be too small tosupply the amount of current required by the typical portableelectric heater.
You should be able to respond “yes” to the followingsafety statements.
Yes No
1. The heater is operated at least three feet away from upholstered furniture, drapes, bedding and other combustible materials. _____ _____
2. The extension cord (if used) is marked #14 or #12 American Wire Gauge (AWG). _____ _____
3. The heater is used on the floor. _____ _____
4. The heater is turned off when family members leave the house or are sleeping. _____ _____
Recommendations:
* Operate heater away from combustible materials. Do not place heaters where towels or the like could fall on the appliance and trigger a fire.
* Avoid using extension cords unless absolutely necessary. If you must use an extension cord with your electric heater, make sure it is marked with a power rating at least as high as that of the heater itself. Keep the cord stretched out. Do not permit the cord to become buried under carpeting or rugs. Do not place anything on top of the cord.
* Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture or the like. Never use heaters to dry wearing apparel or shoes.
Cooking Equipment
Cooking equipment is estimated to be associated with morethan 100,000 fires annually, and almost 400 deaths, and 5,000injuries. Gas cooking equipment accounts for about 30,000fires, and electric cooking equipment for about 55,000 fires.
You should be able to respond “yes” to the following safetystatements.
Yes No
1. The storage area above the stove is free of flammable and combustible items. _____ _____
2. Short or tight fitting sleeves, and tight fitting shirts, robes, gowns, etc., are worn while cooking. _____ _____
3. Items that could attract children (e.g. cookies and candy) are not kept above the range and are kept out of the immediate area. _____ _____
4. The stove is not left unattended when cooking especially when the burner is turned to a high setting. _____ _____
Recommendations:
* Never place or store pot holders, plastic utensils, towels and other non-cooking equipment on or near the range because these items can be ignited.
* Roll up or fasten long loose sleeves with pins or elastic bands while cooking. Do not reach across a range while cooking. Long loose sleeves are more likely to catch on fire than are short sleeves. Long loose sleeves are also more apt to catch on pot handles, overturning pots and pans and cause scalds.
* Do not place candy or cookies over top of ranges. This will reduce the attraction kids may have for climbing on cooking equipment, thus reducing the possibility of their clothing catching fire.
* Keep constant vigilance on any cooking that is required above the “keep warm” setting.
Cigarette Lighters and Matches
Each year more than 200 deaths are associated with firesstarted by cigarette lighters. About two thirds of these resultfrom children playing with lighters. Most of the victims areunder five years old.
You should be able to answer “yes” to the safety statementsbelow.
Yes No
1. Cigarette lighters and matches are kept out of the reach of children. _____ _____
2. Cigarette lighters are never used to entertain a child. _____ _____
Recommendations:
* Keep lighters and matches out of sight and out of the reach of children. Children as young as two years old are capable of lighting cigarette lighters and matches.
* Never encourage or allow a child to play with a lighter or to think of it as a toy. Do not use it as a source of amusement for a child. Once their curiosity is aroused, children may seek out a lighter and try to light it.
* Always check to see that cigarettes are extinguished before emptying ashtrays. Stubs that are still burning can ignite trash.
Materials That Burn
Your home is filled with materials and products that willburn if ignited. Upholstered furniture, clothing, draperyfabrics, and liquids such as gasoline and volatile solvents areinvolved in many injury-causing fires each year. Most of thesefires could be prevented.
Upholstered Furniture
In 1989, there were 18,600 residential fires associatedwith upholstered furniture; about 900 people lost their lives.About one half of these fires were caused by smoking materials.Property losses amounted to over $100 million from firesstarted by cigarette ignition of upholstered furniture.
You should be able to respond “yes” to the safetystatements below.
Yes No
1. Upholstered furniture fabrics made from vinyl, wool or thermoplastic fibers are generally selected for safety reasons. _____ _____
2. I check thoroughly after parties for ashes or unextinguished cigarettes that may have fallen behind and between cushions and under furniture. _____ _____
Recommendations:
* Look for furniture designed to reduce the likelihood of furniture fire from cigarettes. Much of the furniture manufactured today has significantly greater resistance to ignition by cigarettes than upholstered furniture manufactured 10 to 15 years ago. This is particularly true of furniture manufactured to comply with the requirements of the Upholstered Furniture Action Council’s (UFAC) Voluntary Action Program. Such upholstered furniture may be identified by the gold colored tag on the furniture item. The legend on the front of the tag in red letters states–”Important Consumer Safety Information from UFAC.”
* Always check the furniture where smokers have been sitting for improperly discarded smoking materials. Ashes and lighted cigarettes can fall unnoticed behind or between cushions or under furniture.
* Do not place or leave ashtrays on the arms of chairs where they can be knocked off.
* Look for fabrics made predominantly from thermoplastic fibers (nylon, polyester, acrylic, olefin) because they resist ignition by burning cigarettes better than cellulosic fabrics (rayon or cotton). In general, the higher the thermoplastic content, the greater the resistance to cigarette ignition.
Mattresses and Bedding
Smoldering fires in mattresses and bedding materialscaused by cigarettes are a major cause of deaths in residentialfires. In 1989 over 35,000 mattress/bedding fires caused about700 deaths.
You should be able to respond “yes” to the followingsafety statements.
Yes No
1. “No smoking in bed” is a rule that is practiced in my home. _____ _____
2. Heaters, ash trays, smoking materials and other fire sources are located away from bedding. _____ _____
Recommendations:
* DO NOT smoke in bed. Smoking in bed is a major cause of accidental fire deaths in homes.
* Locate heaters or other fire sources three feet from the bed to prevent the bed catching on fire.
* Consider replacing your old mattress with a new one if you are a smoker. Mattresses manufactured since 1973 are required to resist cigarette ignition.
Wearing Apparel
Most fibers used in clothing can burn, some more quicklythan others. A significant number of clothing fires occur inthe over 65 age group principally from nightwear (robes,pajamas, nightgowns). In 1989 about 200 clothing fire deathswere reported; about three fourths occurred in the 65 and olderage group. The severity of apparel burns is high. Hospitalstays average over one month.
Small open flames, including matches, cigarette lighters,and candles are the major sources of clothing ignition. Theseare followed by ranges, open fires and space heaters. The mostcommonly worn garments that are associated with clothingignition injuries are pajamas, nightgowns, robes,shirts/blouses, pants/slacks and dresses.
You should be able to respond “yes” to the followingstatements.
Yes No
1. When purchasing wearing apparel I consider fiber content and fabric construction for safety purposes. _____ _____
2. I purchase garments for my children that are intended for sleepwear since they are made to be flame resistant. _____ _____
Recommendations:
* Consider purchasing fabrics such as 100% polyester, nylon, wool and silk that are difficult to ignite and tend to self extinguish.
* Consider the flammability of certain fabrics containing cotton, cotton/polyester blends, rayon, and acrylic. These are relatively easy to ignite and burn rapidly.
* Look at fabric construction. It also affect ignitability. Tight weaves or knits and fabrics without a fuzzy or napped surface are less likely to ignite and burn rapidly than open knits or weaves, or fabrics with brushed or piled surfaces.
* Consider purchasing garments that can be removed without having to pull them over the head. Clothes that are easily removed can help prevent serious burns. If a garment can be quickly stripped off when it catches fire, injury will be far less severe or avoided altogether.
* Follow manufacturer’s care and cleaning instructions on products labeled “flame resistant” to ensure that their flame resistant properties are maintained.
Flammable Liquids
One of the major causes of household fires is flammableliquids. These include gasoline, acetone, benzene, lacquerthinner, alcohol, turpentine, contact cements, paint thinner,kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid. The most dangerous of allis gasoline.
You should be able to respond “yes” to the followingsafety statements.
Yes No
1. Flammable liquids are stored in properly labeled, tightly closed non-glass containers. _____ _____
2. These products are stored away from heaters, furnaces, water heaters, ranges, and other gas appliances. _____ _____
3. Flammable liquids are stored out of reach of children. _____ _____
Recommendation:
* Take extra precautions in storing and using flammable liquids, such as gasoline, paint thinners, etc. They produce invisible explosive vapors that can ignite by a small spark at considerable distances from the flammable substance. Store outside the house.
Early Warning and Escape
Even when you have complied with every item in this HomeFire Safety Checklist, you still need to have a plan for earlywarning and escape in case a fire does occur.
Many fire deaths and fire injuries are actually caused bysmoke and gases. Victims inhale smoke and poisonous gases thatrise ahead of the flames. Survival depends on being warned asearly as possible and having an escape plan.
You should be able to respond “yes” to the followingstatements.
Smoke Detectors
Yes No
1. At least one smoke detector is located on every floor of my home. _____ _____
2. Smoke detectors are placed near bedrooms, either on the ceiling or 6-12 inches below the ceiling on the wall. _____ _____
3. Smoke detectors are tested according to manufacturer’s instructions on a regular basis (at least once a month) and are kept in working condition at all times. _____ _____
4. Batteries are replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions, at least annually. _____ _____
5. Batteries are never disconnected. _____ _____
6. The detector has a distinct warning signal that can be heard whether asleep or awake. _____ _____
Follow manufacturer’s directions for testing the detector.
Make sure detectors are placed either on the ceiling or6-12 inches below the ceiling on the wall. Locate smokedetectors away from air vents or registers; high air flow or”dead” spots are to be avoided.
Recommendations:
* Purchase a smoke detector if you do not have one. Smoke detectors are inexpensive and are required by law in many localities. Check local codes and regulations before you buy your smoke detector because some codes require specific types of detectors. They provide an early warning which is critical because the longer the delay, the deadlier the consequences.
* Read the instructions that come with the detector for advice on the best place to install it. As a minimum detectors should be located near bedrooms and one on every floor.
* Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper maintenance. Smoke detectors can save lives, but only if properly installed and maintained.
* Never disconnect a detector. Consider relocating the detector rather than disconnecting it if it is subject to nuisance alarms, e.g. from cooking.
* Replace the battery annually, or when a “chirping” sound is heard.
* Follow the manufacturer’s instructions about cleaning your detector. Excessive dust, grease or other material in the detector may cause it to operate abnormally. Vacuum the grill work of your detector.
Escape Plan
Planning ahead, rehearsing, thinking, and acting clearlyare keys to surviving a fire. How prepared are you?
You should be able to respond “yes” to the followingstatements.
Yes No
1. The family has an escape plan and an alternate escape plan. _____ _____
2. Escape routes and plans are rehearsed periodically. _____ _____
3. The escape plan includes choosing a place safely outside the house where the family can meet to be sure everyone got out safely. _____ _____
4. At least two exits from each part of the house are established. _____ _____
5. The fire department number is posted on every telephone. _____ _____
Recommendations:
* Establish advanced family planning for escape. It is an important partner with smoke detectors and it will prepare you for a fire emergency.
* Include small children as a part of the discussion and rehearsal. It is especially important to make sure they understand that they must escape; they can’t hide from fire under a bed or in a closet.
Your life and that of your family can be saved byforesight, planning, discussing and rehearsal.
PRODUCT SAFETY, IT’S NO ACCIDENT!
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