Lesson 2: Home Safety & Emergency Preparedness - Checklist

Home Hazard Assessment

Conduct room-by-room inspection for safety hazards

Check smoke alarms on each level and in/near sleeping areas

Test carbon monoxide detectors

Verify fire extinguishers are accessible and charged

Inspect electrical cords for damage or wear

Check for overloaded outlets or extension cords

Secure top-heavy furniture to walls

Remove trip hazards from walkways

Ensure proper storage of chemicals and cleaning products

Create written emergency plan for household

Draw floor plan with two exit routes from each room

Establish outside meeting point

Assign emergency responsibilities to household members

Practice evacuation plan with all household members

Program emergency contacts in all mobile phones

Post emergency numbers visibly

Identify utility shut-off locations and how to operate them

Gather water (4 litres per person per day for 3 days minimum)

Stock non-perishable food (3-day minimum supply)

Include manual can opener

Add first aid supplies

Include torch/flashlight and extra batteries

Add battery-powered or wind-up radio

Include dust masks and plastic sheeting

Pack basic tools (wrench, pliers, etc.)

Include personal hygiene items

Add copies of important documents

Consider special needs (medications, infant supplies, pet food)

Check all door and window locks

Install or check door reinforcement

Assess exterior lighting

Trim shrubs near windows

Review key management (who has keys, where spares are kept)

Consider additional security measures if needed