Home Safety Checklist

This checklist is designed to help homeowners determine areas of a home that need to be checked for safety concerns. This check list does not represent all of the areas of a home that need the be checked or maintained.

Are there smoke detectors in each bedroom and in a common living area?
Are the smoke detectors powered by the main electrical supply with a battery backup?
Are all counter electrical outlets protected by a clearly visible circuit breaker?
Has the contractor installed fireblocking where needed in the stud runs and at the top and bottom of all stairways?
Have the spaces around wires and pipes been firestopped and treated against the passage of toxic fumes with an approved firestopping filler, (not foam, fiberglass or rockwool).
Is the home certified as being FireSafe?
Has all framing been done with common nails as opposed to sinkers?
Have hurricane straps been installed between the roof trusses and framing?
Is there a first floor bedroom and bath to accommodate you following surgery or after childbirth?
Is outside air provided to the fireplace, gas hot water heater or other fuel burning fixture?
Is there a carbon monoxide detector located near the bedroom area?
Do all chimneys have good clearance above the roof line?
In areas where Radon gas might exist, has the home been built with Radon mitigation venting already installed?
Will a ramp for handicap access be easily installed on the property if it is ever needed?
In urban areas where window bars are used, will they be an impediment to escape in the event of a fire?
Are areas around swimming pools clearly inaccessible to young children? Do all doors and/or gates to swimming pool areas close and latch automatically? Are all the latching devices at least 48" high?
Can deadbolt locks be unlocked from the inside without a key? Can a child work the lock and get out in the event of fire?
Have steps been taken to seal an attached garage from the living area? The garage should be sealed against the passage of fire or toxic gases including carbon monoxide.