Firefighter how-to
How to Perform a Home Fire Safety Check
Community risk reduction prevents fires before they start.
Community risk reduction prevents fires before they start. In short: check; test; look, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Check that smoke alarms are on every level, outside sleeping areas and inside bedrooms.
Test alarms and check expiration dates.
Look for carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas if fuel-burning appliances are present.
Check for overloaded outlets, extension cords and space heater clearances.
Review the home escape plan with two ways out of every room.
Talk about cooking safety and safe candle and smoking practices.
Leave written tips and offer to install alarms if your department provides them.
Safety reminders for firefighters
- Wear full PPE and SCBA in hazardous atmospheres
- Follow incident command and accountability systems
- Decontaminate gear after fires to reduce carcinogen exposure
- Maintain fitness and use peer support after traumatic calls
Key terms
SCBA · Turnout gear (bunker gear) · PASS device · Engine · Truck (ladder) · Attack line: see the full firefighter glossary.