U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Washington, D.C. 20207
Table of Contents
About the
Commission
Introduction
Sources Of
Fire
Supplemental Home
Heating Equipment
Cooking
Equipment
Cigarette Lighters
and Matches
Materials That
Burn
Upholstered
Furniture
Mattresses and
Bedding
Wearing
Apparel
Flammable
Liquids
Early Warning and
Escape
Smoke
Detectors
Escape Plan
Contact
Information
This publication is in the public domain and it may be reproduced in whole or
in part without permission. We encourage photocopying or reprinting this
information.
This Home Fire Safety Checklist was developed by the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC), an independent regulatory agency of the U.S.
Government.
The Commission has four statutory missions:
- to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury associated with
consumer products;
- to assist consumers in evaluating the comparative safety of consumer
products;
- to develop uniform safety standards for consumer products and minimize
conflicting state and local regulations; and
- to promote research and investigation into the causes and prevention of
product-related deaths, injuries and illnesses.
It has jurisdiction over more than 15,000 consumer products used in the home,
school and in public places. Among the products not subject to the Commission's
authority are food, drugs, automobiles, tobacco, and fire arms. The Commission
administers five safety laws: The Consumer Product Safety Act, the Federal
Hazardous Substances Act, the Flammable Fabrics Act, the Poison Prevention
Packaging Act, and the Refrigerator Act.
CPSC began operation on May 14, 1973. It is headed by three Commissioners
appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.
On October 29, 1973, the Commission instituted a toll-free Hotline to make it
easier for consumers to report product-related injuries or potentially hazardous
products, and to get information on recalled products seven days a week, 24
hours a day. You may call the Commission's Hotline from anywhere in the
continental U.S. by dialing 1-800-638-2772. A teletypewriter for the hearing
impaired is also available (including Alaska and Hawaii) on a special Hotline
number 1-800-638-8270. To order publications, write to the Office of Information
and Public Affairs, Washington. DC 20207.
The United States has one of the highest fire death and injury rates in the
world. Fire -- in the form of flames and smoke -- is the second leading cause of
accidental death in the home.
More than 4,000 people die each year in home fires. Every year, there are
more than 500,000 residential fires serious enough to be reported to fire
departments. More than 90 percent of residential fire deaths and injuries result
from fires in one and two family houses and apartments. Property losses exceed 4
billion dollars annually, and the long term emotional damage to victims and
their loved ones is incalculable.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has targeted the principal
consumer products associated with fires, namely home heating devices,
upholstered furniture, bedding, cigarette lighters, matches, and wearing
apparel. The Commission is participating in a special Congressionally authorized
study of cigarette-ignited fires, which cause more deaths than any other kind of
fire. The Commission continues to push for extensive use of smoke detectors.
With the help of concerned consumers, the number or residential fires has
declined about 30 percent since 1980.
The CPSC is fulfilling its role to make products inherently more fire safe.
We recognize that much more can be done to cut down on the needlessly high and
tragic fire toll by an alert and informed public. Many of the injuries
associated with flammable products result from hazards that are overlooked. Fire
experts agree that one key to fewer fires is a greater awareness of how
accidents can be prevented. By spotting these hazards and taking some simple
precautions, many fires and fire-related injuries can be prevented.
Use this checklist as a safety guide to spot possible fire safety problems
which may be present in your home. It is a first step in reducing the risk of
fire. Check YES or NO to answer each question. If you check NO to any question,
the potential hazard should be corrected to avoid the risk of injury or
death.
How safe is your home from fire?
PRODUCT SAFETY, IT'S NO ACCIDENT!
Sources of Fire
Supplemental Home Heating
The use of supplemental room heaters, such as wood and coal burning stoves,
kerosene heaters, gas space heaters and electrical heaters, has decreased, along
with the number of residential fires.
Even though there has been a decrease in fires associated with supplemental
heaters, it is important to remember that about 120,000 residential fires still
occur annually with the use of these heaters, or about 22 percent of all
residential fires. These fires kill more than 600 people. Annually there are
thousands of contact burn injuries and hundreds of carbon monoxide
poisonings.
Wood Stoves
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.
| |
|
Yes |
No |
| 1. |
The wood stove or fireplace has been installed according to existing
building codes and manufacturer's instructions. |
___ |
___ |
| 2. |
The chimney and stovepipe are checked frequently during the heating
season for creosote buildup and are cleaned when necessary. |
___ |
___ |
| 3. |
The stove sits on a non-combustible or on a code-specified or listed
floor protector. |
___ |
___ |
| 4. |
Combustibles such as curtains, chairs, firewood, etc., are at least
three feet away from the stove. |
___ |
___ |
| 5. |
Only proper fuel is used in the stove. |
___ |
___ |
| 6. |
A metal container with a tight-fitting lid is used for ash removal. |
___ |
___ |
Recommendations:
- 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.
Kerosene Heaters
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.
| |
|
Yes |
No |
| 1. |
Only 1-K kerosene is used and it is bought from a dealer who can
certify that the product is 1-K kerosene. |
___ |
___ |
| 2. |
The heater is placed out of the path of traffic areas such as doorways
and hallways. |
___ |
___ |
| 3. |
Kerosene is stored outdoors, and out of the reach of children in a
tightly sealed, preferably blue plastic or metal container, labeled
"kerosene." |
___ |
___ |
| 4. |
No attempt is to be made to move the heater if flare-up (flames
outside the heater cabinet) occurs. The fire department is called
immediately. |
___ |
___ |
| 5. |
The heater is used in well ventilated rooms. |
___ |
___ |
| 6. |
The heater is turned off while sleeping and is never left operating
unattended. |
___ |
___ |
| 7. |
The heater is placed at least three feet away from anything that might
catch fire such as clothing, furniture, curtains, etc. |
___ |
___ |
Recommendations:
- 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. Kerosene heaters are not usually vented.
- 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.
Gas-Fired Space Heaters
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.
| |
|
Yes |
No |
| 1. |
Only vented heaters are installed or used in sleeping quarters. |
___ |
___ |
| 2. |
Vented heaters are properly vented to the outside. |
___ |
___ |
| 3. |
The unvented gas-fired room heater has a warning label and
instructions that are followed. |
___ |
___ |
| 4. |
The unvented gas-fired room heater has a label stating it has a "pilot
safety system", which turns off the gas if not enough fresh air is
available. |
___ |
___ |
| 5. |
The vented heater has a label stating that it is equipped with a vent
safety shutoff system. |
___ |
___ |
| 6. |
If the heater uses liquefied petroleum (LP) gas, the container is
located outside the house. |
___ |
___ |
| 7. |
The manufacturer's instructions for lighting the pilot are
followed. |
___ |
___ |
| 8. |
Matches are lighted before turning on the gas if pilot lighting is
required. |
___ |
___ |
| 9. |
Flammable materials and liquids are kept away from gas heating
appliances. |
___ |
___ |
Recommendations:
- Follow the manufacturer's 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 manufacturer's 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.
Portable Electric Heaters
The Commission estimates that half the deaths and one-third of the injuries
resulting from electric heater fires occurred at night when family members were
asleep and the heater unattended. The Commission is also concerned about the use
of power or extension cords which can be too small to supply the amount of
current required by the typical portable electric heater.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.
| |
|
Yes |
No |
| 1. |
The heater is operated at least three feet away from upholstered
furniture, drapes, bedding and other combustible materials. |
___ |
___ |
| 2. |
The extension cord (if used) is marked #14 or #12 American Wire Gauge
(AWG). |
___ |
___ |
| 3. |
The heater is used on the floor. |
___ |
___ |
| 4. |
The heater is turned off when family members leave the house or are
sleeping. |
___ |
___ |
Recommendations:
- 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.
Cooking Equipment
Cooking equipment is estimated to be associated with more than 100,000 fires
annually, and almost 400 deaths, and 5,000 injuries. Gas cooking equipment
accounts for about 30,000 fires, and electric cooking equipment for about 55,000
fires.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.
| |
|
Yes |
No |
| 1. |
The storage area above the stove is free of flammable and combustible
items. |
___ |
___ |
| 2. |
Short or tight fitting sleeves, and tight fitting shirts, robes,
gowns, etc., are worn while cooking. |
___ |
___ |
| 3. |
Items that could attract children (e.g. cookies and candy) are not
kept above the range and are kept out of the immediate area. |
___ |
___ |
| 4. |
The stove is not left unattended when cooking especially when the
burner is turned to a high setting. |
___ |
___ |
Recommendations:
- 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
scalds.
- 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
possiblity of their clothing catching fire.
- Keep constant vigilance on any cooking that is require above the"keep
warm" setting.
Each year more than 200 deaths are associated with fires statreted by
cigarette lighters. About two thirds of these result from children playing with
lighters. Most of the victims are under five years old.
You should be able to answer "yes" to the safety statements below.
| |
|
Yes |
No |
| 1. |
Cigarette lighters and matches are kept out of the reach of
children |
___ |
___ |
| 2. |
Cigarette lighters are never used to entertain a child. |
___ |
___ |
Recommendations:
- Keep lighters and matches out of sight and out of the reach of children.
Children as young as two years old are capable of lighting cigarette lighters
and matches.
- Never encourage or allow a child to play with a lighter or to think of it
as a toy. Do not use it as a source of amusement for a child. Once their
curiosity is aroused, children may seek out a lighter and try to light it.
- Always check to see that cigarettes are extinguished before emptying
ashtrays. Stubs that are still burning can ignite trash.
Your home is filled with materials and products that will burn if ignited.
Upholstered furniture, clothing, drapery fabrics, and liquids such as gasoline
and volatile solvents are involved in many injury-causing fires each year. Most
of these fires could be prevented.
In 1989, there were 18,600 residential fires associated with upholstered
furniture; about 900 people lost their lives. About one half of these fires were
caused by smoking materials. Property losses amounted to over $ 100 million from
fires started by cigarette ignition of upholstered furniture.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the safety statements below.
| |
|
Yes |
No |
| 1. |
Upholstered furniture fabrics made from vinyl, wool or thermoplastic
fibers are generally selected for safety reasons. |
___ |
___ |
| 2. |
I check thoroughly after parties for ashes or unextinguished
cigarettes that may have fallen behind and between cushions and under
furniture. |
___ |
___ |
Recommendations:
- Look for furniture designed to reduce the likelihood of furniture fire
from cigarettes. Much of the furniture manufactured today has significantly
greater resistance to ignition by cigarettes than upholstered furniture
manufactured 10 to 15 years ago. This is particularly true of furniture
manufactured to comply with the requirements of the Upholstered Furniture
Action Council's (UFAC) Voluntary Action Program. Such upholstered furniture
may be identified by the gold colored tag on the furniture item. The legend on
the front of the tag in red letters states "Important Consumer Safety
Information from UFAC."
- Always check the furniture where smokers have been sitting for improperly
discarded smoking materials. Ashes and lighted cigarettes can fall unnoticed
behind or between cushions or under furniture.
- Do not place or leave ashtrays on the arms of chairs where they can be
knocked off.
- Look for fabrics made predominantly from thermo-plastic fibers (nylon,
polyester, acrylic, olefin) because they resist ignition by burning cigarettes
better than cellulosic fabrics (rayon or cotton). In general, the higher the
thermoplastic content, the greater the resistance to cigarette ignition.
Smoldering fires in mattresses and bedding materials caused by cigarettes are
a major cause of deaths in residential fires. In 1989 over 35,000
mattress/bedding fires caused about 700 deaths.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.
| |
|
Yes |
No |
| 1. |
"No smoking in bed" is a rule that is practiced in my home. |
___ |
___ |
| 2. |
Heaters, ash trays, smoking materials and other fire sources are
located away from bedding. |
___ |
___ |
Recommendations:
- DO NOT smoke in bed. Smoking in bed is a major cause of accidental
fire deaths in homes.
- Locate heaters or other fire sources three feet from the bed to prevent
the bed catching on fire.
- Consider replacing your old mattress with a new one if you are a smoker.
Mattresses manufactured since 1973 are required to resist cigarette ignition.
Most fibers used in clothing can burn, some more quickly than others. A
significant number of clothing fires occur in the over 65 age group principally
from nightwear (robes, pajamas, nightgowns). In 1989 about 200 clothing fire
deaths were reported; about three fourths occurred in the 65 and older age
group. The severity of apparel burns is high. Hospital stays average over one
month.
Small open flames, including matches, cigarette lighters, and candles are the
major sources of clothing ignition. These are followed by ranges, open fires and
space heaters. The most commonly worn garments that are associated with clothing
ignition injuries are pajamas, nightgowns, robes, shirts/blouses, pants/slacks
and dresses.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following statements.
| |
|
Yes |
No |
| 1. |
When purchasing wearing apparel I consider fiber content and fabric
construction for safety purposes. |
___ |
___ |
| 2. |
I purchase garments for my children that are intended for sleepwear
since they are made to be flame resistant. |
___ |
___ |
Recommendations:
- Consider purchasing fabrics such as 100% polyester, nylon, wool and silk
that are difficult to ignite and tend to self extinguish.
- Consider the flammability of certain fabrics containing cotton,
cotton/polyester blends, rayon, and acrylic. These are relatively easy to
ignite and burn rapidly.
- Look at fabric construction. It also affects ignitability. Tight weaves or
knits and fabrics without a fuzzy or napped surface are less likely to ignite
and burn rapidly than open knits or weaves, or fabrics with brushed or piled
surfaces.
- Consider purchasing garments that can be removed without having to pull
them over the head. Clothes that are easily removed can help prevent serious
burns. If a garment can be quickly stripped off when it catches fire, injury
will be far less severe or avoided altogether.
- Follow manufacturer's care and cleaning instructions on products labeled
"flame resistant" to ensure that their flame resistant properties are
maintained.
One of the major causes of household fires is flammable liquids. These
include gasoline, acetone benzene, lacquer thinner, alcohol, turpentine, contact
cements, paint thinner, kerosene, and charcoal lighter fluid. The most dangerous
of all is gasoline.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following safety statements.
| |
|
Yes |
No |
| 1. |
Flammable liquids are stored in properly labeled, tightly closed
non-glass containers. |
___ |
___ |
| 2. |
These products are stored away from heaters, furnaces, water heaters,
ranges, and other gas appliances. |
___ |
___ |
| 3. |
Flammable liquids are stored out of reach of children. |
___ |
___ |
Recommendation:
- 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.
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.
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following statements.
| |
|
Yes |
No |
| 1. |
At least one smoke detector is located on every floor of my home. |
___ |
___ |
| 2. |
Smoke detectors are placed near bedrooms, either on the ceiling or
6-12 inches below the ceiling on the wall. |
___ |
___ |
| 3. |
Smoke detectors are tested according to manufacturer's instructions on
a regular basis (at least once a month) and are kept in working condition
at all times. |
___ |
___ |
| 4. |
Batteries are replaced according to manufacturer's instructions, at
least annually. |
___ |
___ |
| 5. |
Batteries are never disconnected. |
___ |
___ |
| 6. |
The detector has a distinct warning signal that can be heard whether
asleep or awake. |
___ |
___ |
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.
Recommendations:
- 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 manufacturer's instructions for proper maintenance. Smoke
detectors can save lives, but only if properly installed and maintained.
- 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 manufacturer's 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.
Planning ahead, rehearsing, thinking, and acting clearly are keys to
surviving a fire. How prepare are you?
You should be able to respond "yes" to the following statements.
| |
|
Yes |
No |
| 1. |
The family has an escape plan and an alternate escape plan. |
___ |
___ |
| 2. |
Escape routes and plans are rehearsed periodically. |
___ |
___ |
| 3. |
The escape plan includes choosing a place safely outside the house
where the family can meet to be sure everyone got out safely. |
___ |
___ |
| 4. |
At least two exits from each part of the house are established. |
___ |
___ |
| 5. |
The fire department number is posted on every telephone. |
___ |
___ |
Recommendations:
Establish advanced family planning for escape. It is an important partner
with smoke detectors and it will prepare you for a fire emergency.
Include small children as a part of the discussion and rehearsal. It is
especially important to make sure they understand that they must escape; they
can't hide from fire under a bed or in a closet.
Your life and that of your family can be saved by foresight, planning,
discussing and rehearsal.
PRODUCT SAFETY, IT'S NO ACCIDENT!
