Identifying Hazards

Check for electrical hazards:

• Replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs and plugs.
• Make sure there is only one plug per outlet. Avoid using cube-taps or overloading outlets. If you must use an extension cord, use a cord that's rated for the electrical load and no longer really needed.
• Remove electrical cords that run under rugs or over nails, heaters, or pipes.
• Cover exposed outlets and wiring.
• Repair or replace appliances that overheat, short out, smoke or spark.

Check for chemical hazards:

• Store flammable liquids such as gasoline, acetone, benzene, and lacquer thinner in approved safety cans, away from the home. Place containers in a well-ventilated area and close the lids tightly. Secure the containers to prevent spills.
• If flammable materials must be stored in the home, use a storage can with an Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) approved label. Move materials away from heat sources,open flames, gas appliances, and children.
• Keep combustible liquids such as paint thinner, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, and turpentine away from heat sources.
• Store oily waste and polishing rags in covered metal cans.
• Instruct family members not to use gasoline, benzene, or other flammable fluids for starting fires or cleaning indoors.

Check for fire hazards:

• Clear out old rags, papers, mattresses, broken furniture and other combustible materials.
• Move clothes, curtains, rags, and paper goods away from electrical equipment, gas appliances or flammable materials.
• Remove dried grass cuttings, tree trimmings and weeds from the property.
• Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents.
• Keep heaters and candles away from curtains and furniture.
• Place portable heaters on a level surface, away from high traffic areas. (Purchase portable heaters that are equipped with automatic shut-off switches and avoid the use of extension cords.)

Safety Equipment

Check fire safety equipment:

• Install at least one smoke detector on each level of the home, especially near the bedrooms. Test every month and change batteries at least once a year.
• Keep at lest one fire extinguisher (A-B-C type). Maintain and recharge according to manufacturer's instructions. Show all family members where it's kept and how to use it.

Secure Items

Check items that can shift or fall:

• Anchor water heater, large appliances, bookcases, other tall or heavy furniture, shelves, mirrors, and pictures to wall studs.
• Fit water hater with a flexible gas supply line.
• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Install clips, latches, or other locking devices on cabinet doors.
• Provide strong support and flexible connections on gas appliances.
• Brace overhead light fixtures.
• Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds and places where people sit.
• Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations.

Utilities

Check your utilities:

• Locate the main electric fuse or circuit breaker box, water service shut-off, and natural gas main shut-off.
• Contact local utility companies for instructions on how to turn the utilities off. Teach family members when and how to turn off utilities off.
• Clear area around shut-off switches for easy access.

Gas and water:

• Attach shut-off wrench or specialty tool to a pipe or other location close by the gas and water shut-off valves.
• Paint shut-off valves with white or fluorescent paint to increase visibility.

Home Safety: