Kitchen

Smoking and Matches

Yes / No

Wear snug-fitting clothes when cooking

Yes/No

Do not leave cooking food unattended

Store matches and lighters out of reach of children

Keep pan handles turned in while cooking

Use large, deep, non-tip ashtrays

Keep a pan lid nearby in case of fire

Never smoke when drowsy or in bed

Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles

Dispose of ashes and cigarette butts in a metal can at least daily

Keep cords from dangling

Check furniture for smoldering cigarettes every night, especially after parties

Ensure outlets near the kitchen sink are GFI (Ground Fault Interrupt) equipped

Keep sharp knives out of reach of children

Electricity

Outside

Yes/No

Yes/No

Avoid the use of extension cords (If used, ensure the correct wattage rating)

Clear dry vegetation and rubbish from around the house

Plug only one heat producing device into an electrical outlet

Use barbecue grills away from buildings and vegetation

Ensure cords are not placed under rugs

Dispose of barbecue briquettes in a metal container

Verify circuits are not overloaded

Maintain a "greenbelt" around rural buildings

Replace damaged cords, plugs, sockets

Check with the fire department before burning debris or using a burn barrel

Use bulbs with the correct wattage for lamps and fixtures

Check fuses/circuit breakers for the correct amperage ratings

All Rooms

Do not override or bypass fuses or circuit breakers

Yes/No

Ensure floor coverings (rugs, carpets} are properly secured to prevent tripping hazards

Clothes Washer and Dryer

Separate draw cords on blinds and drapes to reduce strangulation hazards for kids

Yes/No

Verify that appliances are properly grounded

Ensure room exits are unobstructed

Ensure lint filter IS clean and serviceable

Check vent hose and vent line to ensue they are clean and provide unobstructed airflow

Garage/Attic/Shed

Fire Extinguisher

Yes / No

Yes/No

Use gasoline as  motor fuel only and never use or store it inside the home

Verify that an all purpose fire extinguisher (Class ABC) is maintained in an accessible location

Keep only a small quantity of gasoline, if necessary, in an approved container locked

Ensure that all occupants know how to use it

Keep flammable liquids such as paints and thinners in their original containers and store on or near the ground and away from sources of heat, sparks, or flame.

Are additional fire extinguishers kept in the kitchen, garage, basement, and sleeping area?

Store used oily rags in sealed metal containers

Never store combustibles such as newspapers and magazines

Smoke Detector

Yes/No

Heating Equipment

Installed properly on every level?

Yes/No

Tested 1^st Tuesday of each month?

Ensure fireplace inserts and gas/wood stoves comply with local codes

Battery replaced every year?

Clean and inspect chimney annually

Dispose of ashes in metal container

Earthquake Hazards (All Rooms)

Keep clothes, furnishings, and electrical cords at least 12” from wall heaters and 36” from portable heaters

Yes/No

Bolt heavy, tall, upright furniture to wall studs

Service furnace annually

Lock or remove rollers on beds, furniture and appliances

Set water heater thermostat at 120°F

Secure hanging plants and light fixtures with one or more guy wires to prevent swinging into walls or windows and breaking

Elevate new or replacement gas water heaters at least 18” above the floor

Locate beds away from windows and heavy wall-mounted objects

Secure kitchen and bathroom cabinets with “positive” (self-closing) latches

Bathrooms

Secure items on shelves with quake mats, Velcro, low shelf barrier, etc.

Yes/No

Store heavy and/or breakable items on lower shelves

Store poisonous cleaning supplies and medicines in “childproof” cabinets

Strap water heater to wall studs

Replace glass bottles with plastic containers

Use flexible connections on gas appliances

Ensure all outlets are GFI equipped

Check chimney for loose bricks and repair as needed

Check foundation for cracks and repair as needed

Family Preparedness

Bolt home to foundation to prevent shifting during earthquake

Yes/No

Secure mirrors and pictures to the wall or hang them with heavy wire, looped through eye screws or tongue-in-grove hangers

Plan two unobstructed exits from every room, including the second floor, and make sure everyone knows them

Designate a meeting place outside

Practice drills are a great way to help your family plan and remember what to do in case of a disaster or emergency.

Have an out-of-state contact for family check after a disaster/emergency

Develop an escape plan and practice it regularly

Store important papers and valuables in a fire proof safe or cabinet

Maintain proper insurance coverage for your home and its contents (earthquake, flood, renter’s, fire)