Home Fire Safety Checklist, House Fire

Home Fire Safety Checklist

Before every winter I have chimneys and flues cleaned
I make sure all heaters are installed, maintained and operated according to manufacturer's instructions
Fire screens are always placed in front of open fires and heaters in my home
I place items that could catch fire, like clothing and curtains, at least one metre away from heaters
My children are supervised near all types of heating
All portable heating is turned off and open fires extinguished before I go to bed or leave the house
My appliances are in good working order (using damaged electrical equipment and appliances can result in a fire)
There are no overloaded power boards and I have replaced damaged equipment
The lint filter in my clothes dryer is cleaned after each use

Cooking is never left unattended and is turned off when I leave the room
I keep curtains and tea towels well away from the toaster and stove
I turn pot handles inward so they can't be knocked over
My children are supervised in the kitchen and kept away from the stove top and the oven

I never smoke in bed as it is extremely dangerous
Electric blankets are turned on, no more than 30 minutes before getting into bed and are turned off, once I am in bed
Heavy items (including pets) are removed from my bed when the electric blanket is turned on
Smoke alarmsare installed inside every bedroom in my home where someone sleeps with the door closed

At least one smoke alarm is on each level of my home
I have vacuumed smoke alarms at least once this year to keep vents clean
My smoke alarm batteries were changed this year at the end of daylight saving
My smoke alarms have been tested this month (a broom handle can be used to reach the test button)
If my smoke alarm beeps intermittently I replace the battery immediately (as it is going flat)
I will replace any smoke alarm (including those connected to mains electricity) that is ten years old to make sure it's working properly
I'm aware that all Australian Fire Services recommend photoelectric smoke alarms

My home fire escape plan has been developed and practised
I know at least two ways to get out of the house if there is a fire
The keys are kept in my deadlock and I never deadlock myself inside
A safe meeting point has been designated outside my home (e.g. the letterbox)
I keep matches and lighters out of reach of children
I know how to use my fire blanket and extinguisher

Home fire safety checklist

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