Your Home Fire Safety Checklist

Table of Contents

About the Commission

Introduction

Sources Of Fire

Supplemental Home Heating Equipment
Cooking Equipment
Cigarette Lighters and Matches

Materials That Burn

Upholstered Furniture
Mattresses and Bedding
Wearing Apparel
Flammable Liquids

Early Warning and Escape

Smoke Detectors
Escape Plan


About the Commission


This Home Fire Safety Checklist was developed by the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an independent
regulatory 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 consumer
products used in the home, school and in public places. Among
the products not subject to the Commission's authority are
food, drugs, automobiles, tobacco, and fire arms. The
Commission administers five safety laws: The Consumer Product
Safety Act, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the Flammable
Fabrics Act, the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, and the
Refrigerator Act.

CPSC began operation on May 14, 1973. It is headed by
three Commissioners appointed by the President with the advice
and consent of the Senate.

On October 29, 1973, the Commission instituted a toll-free
Hotline to make it easier for consumers to report
product-related injuries or potentially hazardous products, and
to get information on recalled products seven days a week, 24
hours a day. You may call the Commission's Hotline from
anywhere in the continental U.S. by dialing 1-800-638-2772. A
teletypewriter for the hearing impaired is also available
(including Alaska and Hawaii) on a special Hotline number
1-800-638-8270, in Maryland only dial 1-800-492-8104. To order
publications, write to the Office of Information and Public
Affairs, Washington, DC 20207.



Introduction


The United States has one of the highest fire death and
injury rates in the world. Fire--in the form of flames and
smoke--is the second leading cause of accidental death in the
home.

More than 4,000 people die each year in home fires. Every
year, there are more than 500,000 residential fires serious
enough to be reported to fire departments. More than 90 percent
of residential fire deaths and injuries result from fires in
one and two family houses and apartments. Property losses
exceed 4 billion dollars annually, and the long term emotional
damage to victims and their loved ones is incalculable.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has
targeted the principal consumer products associated with fires,
namely home heating devices, upholstered furniture, bedding,
cigarette lighters, matches, and wearing apparel. The
Commission is participating in a special Congressionally
authorized study of cigarette-ignited fires, which cause more
deaths than any other kind of fire. The Commission continues to
push for extensive use of smoke detectors. With the help of
concerned consumers, the number of residential fires has
declined about 30 percent since 1980.

The CPSC is fulfilling its role to make products
inherently more fire safe. We recognize that much more can be
done to cut down on the needlessly high and tragic fire toll by
an alert and informed public. Many of the injuries associated
with flammable products result from hazards that are
overlooked. Fire experts agree that one key to fewer fires is a
greater awareness of how accidents can be prevented. By
spotting these hazards and taking some simple precautions, many
fires and fire-related injuries can be prevented.

Use this checklist as a safety guide to spot possible fire
safety problems which may be present in your home. It is a
first step in reducing the risk of fire. Check YES or NO to
answer each question. If you check NO to any question, the
potential hazard should be corrected to avoid the risk of
injury 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 and
coal burning stoves, kerosene heaters, gas space heaters and
electrical heaters, has decreased, along with the number of
residential fires.

Even though there has been a decrease in fires associated
with supplemental heaters, it is important to remember that
about 120,000 residential fires still occur annually with the
use of these heaters, or about 22 percent of all residential
fires. These fires kill more than 600 people. Annually there
are thousands of contact burn injuries and hundreds of carbon
monoxide poisonings.


Wood Stoves


You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
safety 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 following
safety 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 following
safety 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 and
one-third of the injuries resulting from electric heater fires
occurred at night when family members were asleep and the
heater unattended. The Commission is also concerned about the
use of power or extension cords which can be too small to
supply the amount of current required by the typical portable
electric heater.

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
safety 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 more
than 100,000 fires annually, and almost 400 deaths, and 5,000
injuries. Gas cooking equipment accounts for about 30,000
fires, and electric cooking equipment for about 55,000 fires.

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety
statements.

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 fires
started by cigarette lighters. About two thirds of these result
from children playing with lighters. Most of the victims are
under five years old.


You should be able to answer "yes" to the safety statements
below.

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 will
burn if ignited. Upholstered furniture, clothing, drapery
fabrics, and liquids such as gasoline and volatile solvents are
involved in many injury-causing fires each year. Most of these
fires could be prevented.


Upholstered Furniture


In 1989, there were 18,600 residential fires associated
with 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 fires
started by cigarette ignition of upholstered furniture.

You should be able to respond "yes" to the safety
statements 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 materials
caused by cigarettes are a major cause of deaths in residential
fires. In 1989 over 35,000 mattress/bedding fires caused about
700 deaths.

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
safety 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 quickly
than others. A significant number of clothing fires occur in
the over 65 age group principally from nightwear (robes,
pajamas, nightgowns). In 1989 about 200 clothing fire deaths
were reported; about three fourths occurred in the 65 and older
age group. The severity of apparel burns is high. Hospital
stays average over one month.

Small open flames, including matches, cigarette lighters,
and candles are the major sources of clothing ignition. These
are followed by ranges, open fires and space heaters. The most
commonly worn garments that are associated with clothing
ignition injuries are pajamas, nightgowns, robes,
shirts/blouses, pants/slacks and dresses.



You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
statements.

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 flammable
liquids. These include gasoline, acetone, benzene, lacquer
thinner, alcohol, turpentine, contact cements, paint thinner,
kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid. The most dangerous of all
is gasoline.

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
safety 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 Home
Fire Safety Checklist, you still need to have a plan for early
warning and escape in case a fire does occur.

Many fire deaths and fire injuries are actually caused by
smoke and gases. Victims inhale smoke and poisonous gases that
rise ahead of the flames. Survival depends on being warned as
early as possible and having an escape plan.

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
statements.


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 or
6-12 inches below the ceiling on the wall. Locate smoke
detectors 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 clearly
are keys to surviving a fire. How prepared are you?

You should be able to respond "yes" to the following
statements.

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 by
foresight, planning, discussing and rehearsal.

PRODUCT SAFETY, IT'S NO ACCIDENT!