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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!



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