AZ Checklists
Home Safety Checklist: Fire, Electrical & Emergency Readiness

Home Safety Checklist: Fire, Electrical & Emergency Readiness

Comprehensive home safety checklist covering fire safety, electrical safety, trip hazards, kitchen safety, bathroom safety, and emergency preparedness.

Home Safety Checklist

Complete home safety checklist covering all essential safety measures including fire and smoke detection, electrical safety, trip hazard prevention, kitchen and bathroom safety, child protection, structural maintenance, and emergency preparedness to ensure a secure and safe home environment.

1. Fire & Smoke / Carbon Monoxide Safety

1Install smoke alarms on every floor and near all sleeping areas
2Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on each level and outside bedrooms
3Test all alarms monthly
4Replace smoke/CO detector batteries annually (or per manufacturer)
5Keep a fire extinguisher in key zones (e.g. kitchen, garage) and ensure it is maintained
6Clear clutter and combustibles away from heat sources (heaters, fireplaces, stoves)
7Ensure all fireplaces, chimneys, stoves, flues are cleaned and inspected yearly
8Create and practice a fire escape plan with two exits from each room
9Ensure at least one window in each habitable room can serve as an exit in emergencies
10Store matches and lighters in child-proof, locked spaces (if children present)

2. Electrical & Lighting Safety

1Inspect cords, plugs, and wires for fraying, damage, or exposed conductors
2Replace or repair damaged cords immediately
3Use ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in wet areas (bathrooms, kitchen)
4Avoid overloading outlets or power strips
5Use plug covers on unused outlets (especially with children)
6Keep electrical cords tucked behind furniture, not across walking paths
7Use adequate lighting in stairways, hallways, and entrances
8Install motion-sensor or dusk-to-dawn exterior lighting
9Use LED or low-heat bulbs in enclosed fixtures to reduce overheating
10Turn off and unplug small appliances (hairdryers, irons) when not in use

3. Floor, Stairs & Trip Hazards

1Keep walkways and corridors clear of clutter, toys, cords, and obstacles
2Use non-slip mats, rugs, or treads on slippery surfaces
3Secure rugs with non-skid backing or double-sided tape
4Repair uneven or broken floorboards, tiles, or thresholds
5Install and maintain sturdy handrails on staircases
6Ensure stairs are well-lit at top and bottom
7Mark or highlight stair edges for visibility (especially for elderly)
8Avoid placing small furnishings or objects too close to walking paths
9Use step stools with secure footing instead of unstable chairs
10For children or seniors, install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs (if needed)

4. Kitchen Safety

1Store sharp knives, scissors, and utensils in locked or out-of-reach cabinets
2Use back burners and turn pot handles inward while cooking
3Keep flammable materials (towels, curtains) away from stovetop and open flames
4Ensure good ventilation or exhaust over stove
5Keep kitchen floors dry; clean up spills immediately
6Ensure appliances (microwave, toaster) are away from the sink and water sources
7Check and maintain kitchen appliances, cords, and plugs
8Store cleaning chemicals, detergents, and poisons safely in locked cabinets
9Have a fire blanket or small fire extinguisher nearby
10Use a sturdy, stable step stool for reaching high shelves (not unstable chairs)

5. Bathroom Safety

1Install grab bars in shower, bathtub, and near the toilet (if needed)
2Use non-slip mats or decals in the tub/shower and on the bathroom floor
3Keep floor dry; use bath mats with non-slip backing
4Set water heater maximum outlet temperature to ~ 49–50 °C (120 °F) to avoid scalds
5Store medications, razors, and cleaning agents in locked cabinets or out of reach of children
6Use GFCI outlets in bathroom(s)
7Provide good lighting (including night-light) for safe navigation
8Unplug electrical appliances (hairdryers, shavers) when not in use and keep them away from water
9Ensure exhaust fan or ventilation to reduce humidity and mold
10Provide non-glass containers and safety locks if children are present

6. Bedroom & Sleep Areas

1Keep a flashlight and spare batteries near the bed
2Ensure there is a clear path from bed to door without tripping hazards
3Avoid placing heavy furniture or appliances near exits that block egress
4Use cordless window coverings or secure cords away from children
5Keep smoke / CO detectors installed within or near bedrooms
6Ensure electric blankets (if used) are in good condition and turned off before sleeping
7Use a stable nightstand for essential items (phone, water)
8Avoid extension cords for bedside lamps; use proper wiring
9Make sure bed height is safe and not too high or too low for occupants
10Secure large furniture (dressers, wardrobes) to walls to prevent tipping

7. Child & Pet Safety (if applicable)

1Use safety locks or latches on cabinets and drawers with hazardous contents
2Secure furniture, TVs, and appliances to prevent tipping
3Install window guards or safety screens to prevent falls
4Use safety gates, door knob covers, or stair barriers as needed
5Keep small objects (coins, batteries, small toys) out of reach to prevent choking
6Use cordless blinds or tie cords high to eliminate strangulation risk
7Place covers on unused electrical outlets
8Store cleaning agents, medicines, and chemicals in locked cabinets
9Avoid leaving pets unsupervised in unsafe zones (kitchen, balcony)
10Regularly inspect toys and remove broken parts or recalled items

8. Structural, Exterior & Yard Safety

1Keep walkways, driveways, and steps in good repair—fix cracks, holes, uneven surfaces
2Ensure outdoor lighting for entrances, pathways, and stairs
3Inspect and maintain roofing, gutters, downspouts to prevent leaks and damage
4Secure fences, gates, and railings; ensure gates latch properly
5Keep yard free of debris, loose tools, and hazardous objects
6Store garden tools, chemicals, and machinery locked away
7Keep pool area fenced with self-closing and self-latching gate
8Prune tree branches, remove weak limbs to avoid falling hazards
9Ensure windows and exterior doors have secure locks and functioning hardware
10Mark property numbers clearly for emergency responders to see

9. Utilities, HVAC & Plumbing Safety

1Know where the main gas, water, and electrical shut-off valves are located
2Inspect gas appliances, lines, and connections annually for leaks
3Maintain HVAC system: replace filters, inspect ducts, check safety controls
4Ensure dryer vents are clean and vent to the outside
5Insulate exposed hot water pipes and maintain safe hot water temperature
6Check for plumbing leaks, drips, or moisture in walls/ceilings
7Install carbon monoxide alarm near fuel-burning appliances
8Ensure adequate ventilation in utility rooms and avoid blocking airflow
9Test sump pumps or drainage systems, if applicable
10Keep a supply of basic tools and replacement parts (fuses, filters, etc.)

10. Emergency Preparedness & General Safety

1Maintain a fully stocked first aid kit and check expiration dates periodically
2Keep a list of emergency contact numbers (ambulance, poison control, fire, close neighbors) posted
3Maintain a flashlight, batteries, candles, and backup lighting sources
4Store emergency foods, water, and supplies for 72 hours (or as recommended)
5Prepare a home emergency plan (fire, flood, earthquake, etc.) and practice it with all household members
6Keep an emergency supply of essential medications (if applicable)
7Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for alerts
8Keep copies of important documents (IDs, insurance) in a fireproof safe or waterproof container
9Regularly review and update your safety checklist (e.g. twice a year)
10Teach all household members where safety equipment is (extinguishers, shut-off valves, exits)
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