The Fresno Homeowner's
Fire Safety Checklist:
12 Things to Check This Month

Most home fire hazards don't announce themselves. They accumulate quietly — a detector aging past its service life, a dryer vent slowly clogging, an extension cord carrying more than it should. This checklist mirrors what we cover in our 12-point professional inspection. Work through it yourself, and note anything you're unsure about for a professional follow-up.

01 — Smoke Detectors

Check the manufacture date on the back of every detector. If any are 10 or more years old, replace them now. Test every detector with the test button. Verify placement: inside every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, on every level. If any are missing or dead — replace immediately.

02 — Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Does your home have an attached garage, gas furnace, gas water heater, or gas stove? California law requires CO detectors. Verify you have functioning CO detectors within 10 feet of each sleeping area. Test every unit. Check manufacture date — CO detectors also expire, typically at 5–7 years.

03 — Fire Extinguisher

Locate your fire extinguisher. Is the pressure gauge needle in the green zone? Check the inspection tag — is the last professional inspection within the past 12 months? Is the unit accessible and visible, or buried behind things? Verify it is an ABC-rated unit. Kitchen should ideally have a Class K extinguisher or a readily accessible ABC.

04 — Electrical Panel

Open your electrical panel. All breakers should be labeled. No breaker should feel warm to the touch. Look for any visible scorch marks, rust, or signs of pest intrusion. Ensure there is at least 30 inches of clear workspace in front of the panel — this is a fire code requirement. If you see double-tapped breakers or breakers that trip frequently, call a licensed electrician.

05 — Exit Routes

Walk every intended exit path from every bedroom in your home. Can you open each door and window in the dark? Are any hallways or doorways obstructed? Does every bedroom window open fully and have no security bars without quick-release hardware? Time yourself — can your household get from bedrooms to outside in 60 seconds?

06 — Kitchen Hazards

Check the area within 3 feet of your stove for combustible items: paper towels, curtains, dish towels, cookbooks. Look at your range hood — is there visible grease buildup on the filter? Check the last time the filter was cleaned. Ensure no combustible items are stored above or against the stove.

07 — Dryer Vent

Run your dryer for a few minutes and go outside to find the exhaust vent. You should feel strong, steady airflow from the vent cap. Weak or intermittent flow means the duct is restricted — schedule professional cleaning immediately. Check the exterior vent cap to verify it has a flapper that opens with airflow (not mesh screening, which traps lint).

08 — Heating System

Is there at least 3 feet of clearance around any space heaters? Check your furnace filter — a clogged filter reduces airflow and increases heat buildup around the unit. Verify there are no combustibles stored within 18 inches of your water heater. If you have a gas appliance with a pilot light, verify the flame is burning blue (not yellow or orange).

09 — Storage Hazards

Check your garage. Gasoline, propane, and other flammables should be stored in approved containers away from ignition sources (water heater, furnace, vehicle). Look for accumulated combustible clutter near electrical panels, water heaters, or furnaces. Attic storage should have at least 18 inches of clearance from any light fixtures.

10 — Outdoor Fire Risk

Walk your property perimeter. Is vegetation within 30 feet of your home green and irrigated, or dry and dormant? Is there wood stored against the house? Does any wood fencing connect directly to the structure? Are there combustible materials stored under a wood deck? For Fresno County properties near open space — are gutters clear of debris?

11 — Emergency Plan

Does every person in your household know what to do if a smoke alarm sounds at 2 AM? Have you designated a meeting point outside the home? Do your children know their address so they can direct emergency services? Has your household ever actually practiced your escape route? If the answer to any of these is no — this weekend, talk through the plan together.

12 — Overall Risk Assessment

After working through items 1–11, honestly assess your home's overall risk. Did you find multiple expired detectors? A dryer vent with restricted flow? An electrical panel with unlabeled breakers? If you found more than two items that need attention — or if any items left you uncertain — book a professional inspection. A professional finds things this checklist won't, and documents them in a way that protects you.

Fire Safety Fresno covers all 12 of these systems in every inspection. Written report, photo documentation, and a prioritized action list — emailed same day. From $95/mo, we come to you anywhere in Fresno County.