How to Conduct a Home Fire Inspection

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Start your inspection on the exterior of the structure.

   Stand in the front or your house on the street.
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   Step 2: Locate your address markings and make sure you can see them from the street.

   Be sure that the address markings can be seen.
   
   Markings should be at least 4 inches (10.2 cm) in height and reflective.
   
   If your house is within 50 feet (15.2 m) from the street, make sure they are unobstructed and are clearly visible and contrast with the siding on the house.
   
   If your house is more that 50 feet (15.2 m) from the roadway, make sure you have your address markings at the end of the driveway or walkway. , Hazards include obstructions to fire escapes, combustible liquids such a gas or diesel, overgrown vegetation obstructing windows or exits. , Check to see if the door open and closes easily.
   
   Also, inspect the locks on the door.
   
   Deadbolts that require the use of a key from the inside provides great security, however, it makes it difficult to exit in a hurry.
   
   Consider changing the lock system to a hand turn style. , Start in the basement and work your way up.
   
   The smoke detector in your basement should be located at the bottom of your stairs.
   
   On the first floor, smoke detectors should located outside of bedrooms within 10 feet (3.0 m) of the door.
   
   If there are no bedrooms on the lower floor, smoke detectors should be placed at the bottom of the stairs that lead to the second floor.
   
   The second floor smoke detectors should also be located outside each bedroom within 10 feet (3.0 m) of the door.
   
   If no smoke detectors are present, install detectors to manufactures specification and local laws.
   
   If detectors are present, take the detector down and check for a date of manufacture.
   
   If the date on the back of the detector is older than 10 years, the unit should be replaced.
   
   Also check to see if the detector is working and change batteries if you have not done so within the last 6 months. , Know two ways out of every room and practice your plan every 6 months.
   
   Have a special meeting place.
   
   This place could be the dog house, neighbor's house, a tree house, swing set, family car, or any other location your family deems appropriate. , Make sure windows easily open.
   
   If the windows sash can be removed, practice and show all members in your family how to open windows properly. , If there are none, purchase and place one on every floor in your house. ,, Make sure area around the appliances are free of combustibles.
   
   Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected, cleaned, and maintained by a licensed professional on a regular basis.
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   Step 3: Walk around the house and look for potential hazards.

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   Step 4: Enter the house using the front door.

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   Step 5: Locate smoke detectors inside your home.

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   Step 6: Draw up a fire escape plan and practice it.

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   Step 7: Inspect windows in all bedrooms.

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   Step 8: Locate fire extinguishers in your home.

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   Step 9: Inspect electrical outlets

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    Step 10: power cords

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    Step 11: and surge protectors making sure they are not overloaded and are being used for their intended purpose.

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    Step 12: Inspect the areas around appliances that produce heat such as the stove

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    Step 13: furnace

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    Step 14: hot-water heater

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    Step 15: fireplace

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    Step 16: space heater

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    Step 17: wood stove

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    Step 18: and any other heat producing device.

Detailed Guide

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