Do It Yourself Home Inspection: Fire Edition
Here is a fire-proofing home inspection checklist.
Prepare and Protect
- Smoke detectors for every story near the sleeping areas
- Fire detectors checked monthly
- Practice an escape plan
- Doors and windows open with ease from the inside.
- All important documents in a single case.
- Updated insurance claims.
Living Room
- Space heaters 3 feet away from anything.
- Electrical cords and plugs are perfect.
- Bathroom and kitchen outlets have ground-fault circuit-interrupters
Kitchen
- Fire extinguisher in an accessible storage place. Know how to use it.
- Cooking area organized.
- In the kitchen while something is cooking.
- Avoid loose clothes that can accidentally be caught on fire.
- Unplug appliances after use.
- Turn pan and pot handles inward
Bedrooms
- Do not smoke in bed.
- Flashlight and a warning whistle at bedside
Bathroom
- Irons and blow dryers unplugged after use
- Water heater not higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Thermostatically controlled taps and shower heads.
Garage
- Flammables far from heaters and outlets.
- Flammable liquids in a detached shed.
- Gasoline in vapor-preventing cans.
Exterior
- Address plates have 3-5 inches labels with contrasting color from the house’s exterior.
- Firewood stacks 10 feet away from the house.
- No dried grass or leaves piled on your lawn.
- The grill is 3 feet away from the house
- No charcoal.
- Ashes and coals in a metal container.
- Chimney clean and in good condition.
Before going to sleep
- Smoking materials, burners, candles off
- Unused appliances unplugged
- Single night light.
- Glasses and car keys at bedside.
- Doors are locked.
Smoking materials
- Ashtrays are large, deep and non-tip.
- Matches and lighters away from children’s reach.
- Wet butts and ashes.
You can print this home inspection checklist to verify your home’s safety. Share this with your friends so that they can do their own home inspection.