A couple of weeks ago one of my blogging colleagues lost everything she owned in a house fire. Fortunately, the entire family, including the family pets, got out safely but everything they owned was gone.
Can you imagine this happening to you? In a flash, you could potentially be homeless and have to deal with temporary shelter in a hotel or with family members as you sort through the rubble of your burnt out belongings.
And what about your preps? Food storage, survival gear, and your precious print library of survival books would be gone.
I am not just referring to house fires. Disasters of all types can and do occur. Whereas many preppers are laser-focused on being ready for more epic disruptive events such as a pandemic, cyber-attack, or economic collapse, the reality is that a flood, tornado, hurricane, wildfire, earthquake or house fire are risks we live with on a daily basis.
The focus today is on preventative measures you can take to keep your home as safe as you can from common disasters, and especially house fires. I am going to break things down two ways: first by the potential hazard and second by the specific living area in your home. Fair warning: there are some redundancies.
Read through these lists then take the time to walk through your home, condo, or apartment to ensure you have done everything you can to make your home safe. I promise it will only take about thirty minutes and the results just might save your home and your life.
Home Safety Checklist by Hazard
Check for electrical hazards
Look for and replace frayed or cracked extension and appliance cords, loose prongs and plugs.
Make sure there is only one plug per outlet. Avoid using cube-taps or overloading outlets.
Make sure your extension cords are rated for the electrical load and are no longer than what is realistically needed.
Remove electrical cords that run under rugs or over nails, heaters, or pipes.
Cover exposed outlets and wiring.
Repair or replace appliances that overheat, short out, smoke or spark.
Check for chemical hazards
Store flammable liquids such as gasoline, acetone, benzene, and lacquer thinner in approved safety cans, away from the living area of your home.
Place containers in a well-ventilated area and close the lids tightly. Secure the containers to prevent spills.
Move materials away from heat sources, open flames, gas appliances, and children.
Keep combustible liquids such as paint thinner, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, and turpentine away from heat sources.
Store oily waste and polishing rags in covered metal cans.
Instruct family members not to use gasoline, benzene, or other flammable fluids for starting fires or cleaning indoors.
Store weed killers, pesticides and flammable products away from heat sources.
Check for fire hazards
Clear out old rags, papers, mattresses, broken furniture and other combustible materials.
Amerex B402, 5lb ABC D... Best Price: $48.95 Buy New $54.99 (as of 11:36 UTC - Details)
Move clothes, curtains, rags, and paper goods away from electrical equipment, gas appliances or flammable materials.
Remove dried grass cuttings, tree trimmings and weeds from the property.
Clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, vent connectors, and gas vents.
Keep heaters and candles away from curtains and furniture.
Place portable heaters on a level surface, away from high traffic areas. Purchase portable heaters that are equipped with automatic shut-off switches and avoid the use of extension cords.
Check fire safety equipment
Install at least one smoke detector on each level of the home, especially near the bedrooms. Test every month and change batteries at least once a year.
Keep at least one fire extinguisher on each level of your home. Maintain and recharge them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Show all family members where the fire extinguishers are kept and how to use them.
Check items that can shift or fall
Anchor water heater, large appliances, bookcases, tall or heavy furniture, shelves, mirrors and pictures to wall studs.
Fox 40 Sonik Blast whi... Buy New $6.78 (as of 03:35 UTC - Details)
Fit water heater with a flexible gas supply line.
Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
Install clips, latches or other locking devices on cabinet doors.
Provide strong support and flexible connections on gas appliances.
Brace overhead light fixtures.
Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds and places where people sit.
Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations.
Check your utilities
Locate the main electric fuse or circuit breaker box, water service shut-off and natural gas main shut-off.
Contact local utility companies for instructions on how to turn off the utilities. Teach family members when and how to turn off utilities.
U.S. Patrol Fire Resis... Best Price: $5.99 Buy New $6.99 (as of 10:40 UTC - Details)
Clear area around shut-off switches for easy access.
Attach a shut-off wrench or specialty tool to a pipe or other location close by the gas and water shut-off valves.
Paint shut-off valves with white or fluorescent paint to increase their visibility.
Check for Home Safety
Plan how to escape from your home in the event of an emergency.
Identify at least two exits from each room.
Clear doors, hallways and stairs of obstructions.
Conduct emergency drills. Practice day and nighttime escapes, and pick a safe meeting place outside the home.
