Make fire safety "family business" by involving the entire family in a fire safety inspection. Here's a comprehensive checklist to use as a guide.
Kitchen
Matches stored out of the reach of children
No overloaded outlets, worn or frayed extension or appliance cords
No curtains or towel racks close to the range
Flammable liquids (cleaning fluids, contact adhesives, etc.) or aerosols stored away from the range or other heat source (Remember, even a pilot light can set vapors on fire.)
Don’t store items above the range where someone could get burned reaching for them (especially small children in search of cookies or other goodies)
Living room, family room, den, bedrooms
No extension cords run under rugs or carpets or looped over nails or other sharp objects that could cause them to fray; Replace or fix overloaded or frayed extension cords
Fireplace kept screened and cleaned regularly
Use only large ashtrays and empty them frequently when there is no heat or burning left (Small ashtrays are too dangerous.)
Sufficient air space around TV, stereo and other electronic equipment to avoid overheating
Space Heaters kept three feet away from curtains, furniture and papers
Basement, garage, storage areas
No newspapers or other rubbish stored near furnace, water heater, or other heat source
No oily, greasy rags stored, except when kept in labeled and sealed non-glass containers (preferably metal)
No gasoline or other flammable liquids stored in the house, basement, or near a workbench or pilot light.
No overloaded outlets or extension cords and all electrical fuses should be the correct size
Safety measures: Do you have these safety items in your home?
Working smoke detectors on all levels and outside sleeping areas (each story or wing, basement, etc.) Have you tested the detector in the last month?
ABC or ABCD fire extinguisher in the kitchen and/or workshop? Emergency exit plan, with two ways out from each room and a meeting place outdoors?
Using unsafe habits? These guidelines may help your family become more safety aware.
Wear close-fitting sleeves while cooking. (No loose sleeves, shirts, blouses or skirts that may catch fire.)
Never leave cooking unattended.
Never use gasoline to start a fire in the grill or add lighter fluid to an already-started fire.
No smoking while fueling a vehicle or a boat or a gas powered tool like a lawn mower.
No smoking in bed, or in a chair or on the sofa when tired, drinking or taking medication.
Never spray aerosols while smoking or near a space heater, range or other ignition source.
No smoking while using a cleaning fluid, paint thinner or other flammable liquid.
Never use a cigarette lighter after spilling flammable fluid on your hands or clothing.
Never reach over a range or climb onto a range to get something stored above it.
Never lean against a range for warmth or stand too close to a heater or fireplace.
Never let a small child to blow out a match.
Never use a lighted match, lighter or candle to illuminate a dark area, such as a closet.