Samples from the the new and improved Public Safety website. Part 2. Home Safety Inspection and Spare.

Home Safety Inspection

Use this checklist as a personal review of your home’s safety system.   Every "no" answer is a signal for action – Now !

General Safety Concerns

Is your address clearly visible from the street?
In case of fire does your family know how to call the Fire Department? (911 for all emergencies)
In case of fire does your family know to keep doors closed throughout the house to delay the spread of smoke and fire?
Have you planned at least two ways to get out of every room in your house, and do you rehearse exit plans regularly with your family?
Do you keep lighters, matches, and candles out of the reach of children?
Are burning candles always attended by an adult? Are they extinguished when leaving the room or going to bed?
Do you have plenty of large ashtrays in places where people smoke?
If you have a fireplace do you keep a metal screen, or equivalent protection, in front of the fire? Is it cleaned and inspected regularly?
Do you dispose of smoking material and ashes from fireplaces in metal containers after wetting them down?

Housekeeping

Have old papers, boxes, clothes, paint cans and other combustibles been cleared out of your basement, attic, closets, garage, and yard?
Are combustible items (clothes, papers, magazines, ect.) stored at least three feet from heat sources? (water heaters, furnaces, and electrical panels)
If you have a workshop is the area kept clear of sawdust and waste combustibles?
Has everyone in your family been warned never to use gasoline, benzene, kerosene, or other flammable liquids for cleaning?
Are gasoline and other flammable liquids stored outside of the home and in proper containers?
Do you regularly clean the lint filter in the clothes dryer?

Cooking

When cooking do you keep pot & pan handles turned in and not hanging over the stove?
When cooking do you keep tight fitting lids on or near the pot or pan in use in case of fire?
Are combustible materials such as napkins, towels, and wood cabinets a safe distance (min. 30") from the cook-top?
Is the inside of the oven and exhaust hood kept clear of grease?

Heating Systems

Do you have a qualified serviceman check your heating equipment annually?
Are gas shut-offs and electrical switches for your heating equipment accessible?
If you use portable heaters, are they kept the recommended distance from combustibles?
If portable heaters must be refueled are they taken outside to do so, and do you check to make sure you are using the proper fuel?

Electrical

Are all breakers in your electrical panel clearly labeled as to what breakers service what circuits in your home?
Do you test your breakers by turning them on and off?
Are there enough electrical outlets for your needs in every room? This will eliminate the need for extension cords.
Are all outlets and switches working properly?
Do all switches and outlets have faceplates in place?
Are GFCI’s (Ground Fault Circuit interrupters) used where plugged in appliances may be near water, and are they tested?
Does your house have special circuits for heavy-duty appliances such as washers & dryers?

If extension cords are used are they in the open, not run under rugs, furniture, through walls, or door and window openings?
Do you periodically check all electrical cord for wear or cracks?
Do all electrical appliances, hand tools, lamps, extension cords, multi outlet devices carry the seal of a testing laboratory such as U.L. (Underwriters Laboratory) or F.M. (Factory Mutual)?
Note: A licensed electrician should perform all electrical work.

Fire Safety Equipment

Do you have a fire extinguisher on every level of your home?
Is the fire extinguisher accessible, functional, and does every one know how to use it?
Does your home have smoke & carbon monoxide detectors on every level?
Are smoke & carbon monoxide detectors tested regularly?
Are batteries for smoke & carbon monoxide detectors replaced on a regular basis?
Do you have emergency escape ladders for upper floors?
Do you have egress from your basement level in the event that the stairs are blocked with fire or smoke?

SPARE

Are you familiar with our SPARE program?
Are you aware that SPARE is a free program for the City of Bloomfield Hills residents?
Did you know that SPARE can provide another layer of safety in residential emergencies: Fire, medical and security?

Click here for more details on SPARE and how you can enroll your home in this important safety program.