Landlord Checklists
Everything About Fire Safety

Did you know that fire is the second leading cause of accidental death in the home?

Wood Stoves

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

   Yes   No

• __ __The wood stove or fireplace has been installed according to existing building

• __ __ Codes and manufactures instructions.
  

• __ __The chimney and stovepipe are checked frequently during the  heating season for creosote buildup and are cleaned when necessary.
  

• __ __The stove sits on a non-combustible or on a code-specified or listed floor Protector.
  

• __ __ Combustibles such as curtains, chairs, firewood, etc., are at least three feet a way from the stove.
  

• __ __ Only proper fuel is used in the stove.

• __ __ A metal container with a tight-fitting lid is used for ash removal. 
  

• Be sure to have the proper amount of Fire Insurance to protect your home or business. review your policy frequently.
  

• 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.

• ___ ___Only 1-K kerosene is used and it is bought from a dealer who can certify that the product is 1-K kerosene.

• ___ ___The heater is placed out of the path of traffic areas such as doorways and hallways.

• ___ ___Kerosene is stored outdoors, and out of the reach of children in a tightly sealed, preferably blue plastic or metal container, labeled kerosene.

• ___ ___No attempt is to be made to move the heater if flare-up flames outside the heater cabinet) occurs. Call the fire department immediately.

• ___ ___The heater is used in well-ventilated rooms.

• ___ ___The heater is turned off while sleeping and is never left operating unattended.

• ___ ___The heater is placed at least three feet away from anything that might catch fire such as clothing, furniture, curtains, etc.

• 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 l-K kerosene because grades other than l-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.

• 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.

• ___ ___Only vented heaters are installed or used in sleeping quarters.

• ___ ___Vented heaters are properly vented to the outside.

• ___ ___The unvented gas-fired room heater has a warning label and instructions that are followed.

•  ___ ___The unvented gas-fired room heater has a label stating which turns off the gas if not enough fresh air is available.

• ___ ___The vented heater has a label stating that it is equipped with a vent safety shutoff system.

• ___ ___If the heater uses liquefied petroleum (LP) gas, the container is located outside the house.

• ___ ___The manufacturers instructions for lighting the pilot are followed.

• ___ ___Matches are lighted before turning on the gas if pilot lighting is required

•  ___ ___Flammable materials and liquids are kept away from gas heating appliances.

• Follow the manufacturers 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 manufacturers 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.

• ___ ___The heater is operated at least three feet away from upholstered furniture, drapes bedding and other combustible materials.

•  ___ ___The extension cord (if used) is marked #14 or #12 American Wire Gauge (AWG).

• ___ ___The heater is used on the floor.

• ___ ___The heater is turned off when family members leave the house or are sleeping.

• 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.

• ___ ___The storage area above the stove is free of flammable  and combustible items.

• ___ ___Short or tight fitting sleeves, and tight fitting shirts, robes, gowns, etc., are worn while cooking.

•  ___ ___Items that could attract children (e.g. cookies and candy) are not kept above the range and are kept out of the immediate area.

• ___ ___The stove is not left unattended when cooking especially when the burner is turned to a high setting.

• 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 scolds

• 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 require above the warm setting.

• ___ ___Cigarette lighters and matches are kept out of the reach of children.

•  ___ ___Cigarette lighters are never used to entertain a child.

• ___ ___Always make sure cigarettes are out before emptying ashtrays

• ___ ___Flammable liquids are stored in properly labeled, tightly closed non-glass containers.

•  ___ ___These products are stored away from heaters, furnaces, water heaters, ranges, and other gas appliances.

• ___ ___Flammable liquids are stored out of reach of children.

• 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.

• ___ ___Are extension cords used safely? They should not be under carpets or across doorways

• ___ ___Are electrical cords in good condition, without cracks or frayed areas?
  

• ___ ___Are kitchen appliances such as the coffee-maker, toaster oven, and microwave plugged into separate receptacle outlets?

• 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.

• ___ ___At least one smoke detector is located on every floor of my home.

• ___ ___Smoke detectors are placed near bedrooms, either on the ceiling or 6-12 inches below the ceiling on the wall.

• ___ ___Smoke detectors are tested according to manufacturers instructions on a regular basis (at least once a month) and are kept in working condition at all times.

• ___ ___Batteries are replaced according to manufacturers instructions, at least annually.

• ___ ___Batteries are never disconnected.

• ___ ___The detector has a distinct warning signal that can be heard whether asleep or awake.

• 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 manufacturers instructions for proper maintenance.

• 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 manufacturers 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.

• 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.

• ___ ___The family has an escape plan and an alternate escape plan.

•  ___ ___Escape routes and plans are rehearsed periodically.
•  ___ ___The escape plan includes choosing a place safely outside the house where the family can meet to be sure everyone got out safely.
• ___ ___At least two exits from each part of the house are established.
• ___ ___The fire department number is posted on every telephone.

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