Check and clean your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Check your fire extinguishers.
Check for overloaded or damaged extension cords.
Check and clean filters above stove.
Prepare for storm related outages. Make sure your flashlights and portable radios have batteries and that other supplies such as bottled water are stocked and available.
Practice exit drills with your family so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
Properly store household chemicals and never mix cleaning agents.
Pull refrigerator out and vacuum or dust the coils.
Recycle: get rid of old newspapers, magazines and junk mail. These items tend to pile up and can contribute to the severity and spread of fire.
Windows should be checked to ensure they open and close properly, in case they are needed as an exit.
Always keep stairs and landings clear for safe evacuation in event of an emergency.
Outside and around the yard:
Make sure your address numbers are up and visible from the street.
Clean up yard debris. Cut back dead limbs and grasses.
Maintain a clear 'fire zone' of 10 feet around structures. Clean up leaves and debris and consider using stone or non-combustible mulches.
Check outdoor electrical outlets and other electrical appliances.
Get your BBQ grill cleaned and serviced. Check all propane tanks and lines for leaks and damage.
Keep 100 feet of garden hose with an attached nozzle connected and ready for use.
View the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) videos on barbecue safety: