Parents

Electrical, Heating & Cooling: Household Safety Checklist

Are all unused outlets covered with safety plugs?
Are all major electrical appliances grounded?
Have cord holders been used to keep longer cords fastened against walls?
Have you checked for and removed other electrical fire hazards, such as overloaded electrical sockets and electrical wires running under carpets?
Are televisions, computers, and stereo equipment positioned against walls? Are they secured to the wall with brackets so they can't tip forward?
Do you unplug extension cords when they are not in use?

Are all radiators and baseboard heaters covered with childproof screens if necessary?
Have gas fireplaces been secured with a valve cover or key?
Do all working fireplaces have a screen and other barriers in place when in use?
Have chimneys been cleaned recently?
Are all electric space heaters at least 3 feet (91 centimeters) from beds, curtains, or anything flammable?

Do you have a list of emergency phone numbers on your cellphone and near each phone in your home?
Are there fire extinguishers installed on every floor and in the kitchen? Do you know how to use them?
Do you have an emergency ladder for the upper floors of your home?
Are there smoke detectors on each floor of your home?
Have smoke detectors been installed in the hallways between all bedrooms of your home?
Have you tested all smoke detectors within the last month?
Have you changed the batteries in the smoke detectors within the past 6 months?
If you cook with or heat your home with natural gas or have an attached garage, have you installed a carbon monoxide detector in your home?

Medically reviewed by: Kate M. Cronan, MD

Date reviewed: March 2018