HOME HAZARD HUNT - ocem.org

1 Getting Started: Using the checklist below, involve the whole family, especially your children, in a home HAZARD hunt . Remember that anything that can move, break, fall, or burn is a potential HAZARD . Foresight, imagination, and common sense are the only tools you will need! After identifying what needs to be done, devise a plan to do it. home HAZARD HUNTDo you believe that your home is a safe place to be?Statistics show that most fires, accidents, and injuries occur in the important step in family preparedness is the identification of hazards in your home . Once the hazards are identified, it doesn t take much time or effort to makeyour home a safer place to the use of extension cords (If used, ensure the correct wattage rating)

2 Plug only one heat-producing device into an electrical outletEnsure cords are not placed under rugsVerify circuits are not overloadedReplace damaged cords, plugs, socketsUse bulbs with the correct wattage for lamps and fixturesCheck fuses/circuit breakers for the correct amperage ratingsDo not override or bypass fuses or circuit breakers KitchenYes/NoWear snug-fitting clothes when cookingDo not leave cooking food unattendedKeep pan handles turned in while cookingKeep a pan lid nearby in case of fireKeep cooking areas clean and clear of combustiblesKeep appliance cords from dangling Ensure outlets near the kitchen sink are GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt)-equippedKeep sharp knives out of reach of childrenSmoking and MatchesYes/NoStore matches and lighters out of reach of childrenUse large, deep, non-tip ashtraysNever smoke when drowsy or in bedDispose of ashes and cigarette butts in a metal can at least dailyCheck furniture for smoldering cigarettes every night.

3 Especially after partiesOutsideYes/NoClear dry vegetation and rubbish from around the houseUse barbecue grills away from buildings and vegetationDispose of barbecue briquettes in a metal container Maintain a greenbelt around rural buildingsCheck with the fire department before burning debris or using a burn barrelClothes Washer and DryerYes/NoVerify that appliances are properly groundedEnsure lint filter is clean and serviceableCheck vent hose and vent line to ensue they are clean and provide unobstructed airflowAll RoomsYes/NoEnsure floor coverings (rugs, carpets) are properly secured to prevent tripping hazardsSeparate draw cords on blinds and drapes to reduce strangulation hazards for kidsEnsure room exits are unobstructed3 Fire ExtinguisherYes/NoVerify that an all purpose fire extinguisher (Class ABC) is maintained in an accessible locationEnsure that all occupants know how to use itAre additional fire extinguishers kept in the kitchen, garage, basement, and sleeping area?

4 Earthquake hazards (All Rooms)Yes/NoBolt heavy, tall, upright furniture to wall studsLock or remove rollers on beds, furniture and appliances Secure hanging plants and light fixtures to prevent swinging into walls or windows and breaking Locate beds away from windows and heavy wall-mounted objectsSecure kitchen and bathroom cabinets with latchesSecure items on shelves with quake mats, Velcro , low shelf barrier, heavy and/or breakable items on lower shelvesStrap water heater to wall studsUse flexible connections on gas appliancesCheck chimney for loose bricks, and repair as neededCheck foundation for cracks, and repair as neededBolt home to foundation to prevent shifting during an earthquakeSecure mirrors and pictures to the wall or hang them with heavy wire, looped through eye screws or tongue-in-groove hangersHOME HAZARD HUNTG arage/Attic/ShedYes/NoUse gasoline as a motor fuel only and never use or store it inside the homeKeep only a small quantity of gasoline, if necessary, in an approved container locked in the garage or shedKeep flammable liquids such as paints and thinners in their original containers and store on or near the ground and away from sources of heat, sparks.

5 Or flameStore used oily rags in sealed metal containersNever store combustibles such as newspapers and magazines in your atticHeating EquipmentYes/NoEnsure fireplace inserts and gas/wood stoves comply with local codesClean and inspect chimney annuallyDispose of ashes in metal containerKeep clothes, furnishings, and electrical cords at least 12 from wall heaters and 36 from portable heatersService furnace annuallySet water heater thermostat at 120 FElevate new or replacement gas water heaters at least 18 above the floorSmoke AlarmYes/NoInstalled properly on every level?Tested monthly?Battery replaced annually or per manufacturer s recommendation?Family PreparednessYes/NoPlan two unobstructed exits from every room, including the second floor, and make sure everyone knows themDesignate a meeting place outsideHave an out-of-state contact for family to call after a disaster/emergencyDevelop a fire escape plan and practice it regularlyStore important papers and valuables in a fire-proof safe or cabinetMaintain proper insurance coverage for your home and its contents (earthquake, flood, renter s, fire)

6 Practice drills are a great way to help your family plan and remember what to do in case of a disaster or emergencyBathroomsYes/NoStore poisonous cleaning supplies and medicines in child-proofed cabinetsReplace glass bottles with plastic containersEnsure all outlets are GFCI equippedFlyer 3 (6/07)Office of Consolidated Emergency Management ( ) 503-649-8577