Fire Prevention Checklist

Fire Prevention Checklist

Reason

This checklist helps your chapter/house identify common fire, life safety, and health hazards before they become emergencies. Completing it several times each year supports safer living and meeting campus and fire safety expectations.

Code

There are numerous Fire and Life Safety Codes that are applicable to the items included on the checklist, If you need code citations for a specific item, contact your campus fire safety inspector/Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Procedures

Use this as a YES/NO self‑inspection. If you check “No,” fix it promptly or report it to the appropriate office.

1. Fire Protection Systems

• [ ] The building has a complete, hard‑wired smoke detection system that activates the building fire alarm.
• [ ] The building has a complete fire sprinkler system (if required for the occupancy).
• [ ] The fire alarm and smoke detection system are tested monthly, and results are recorded.
• [ ] The fire sprinkler system is maintained, turned on, and tested annually.
• [ ] All fire extinguishers are charged and inspected annually.
• [ ] All exit (egress) lights are illuminated and functioning.

2. Exits, Hallways, and Stairways

• [ ] Hallways and stairways are clear of clutter, furniture, vending machines, or stored items.
• [ ] Stairways and exit doors operate smoothly and allow rapid exit.
• [ ] Fire doors are kept closed, or are equipped with approved automatic closures.
• [ ] Fire doors latch properly when closed.
• [ ] Stairway and balcony handrails are secure, well maintained, and safe.

3. Electrical Safety

• [ ] Electrical switches, outlets, and fixtures are properly covered and in good condition.
• [ ] Extension cords (if used) are heavy‑duty and appropriately sized for the appliance. (Circuit‑breaker protected cords are recommended.)
• [ ] Electrical cords are not nailed/stapled down, knotted, or run under rugs.
• [ ] Electrical cords are routed to prevent damage and tripping (not pinched, crushed, or in doorways).
• [ ] Electrical appliances are grounded where required, and cords are in good condition (no frays, splits, or exposed wiring).

4. Heating Equipment and Mechanical Rooms

• [ ] Boilers/furnaces are maintained, and their rooms are free of combustible storage.

5. Flammable and Combustible Materials

• [ ] Gasoline and other flammable liquids over one pint are stored outside or in a locked steel cabinet.
• [ ] Combustible paints, solvents, and oily rags are stored in approved metal lockers/containers.
• [ ] If electric blankets are used, they have automatic shut‑off features for periods of non‑

6. Building Condition and Slip/Trip Hazards

• [ ] Ceilings, floors, and walls are intact with no missing or broken sections.
• [ ] Floors are clean and have non‑slip, safe flooring materials where needed.

7. Kitchen and Cooking Safety

• [ ] Kitchen ranges, grill ovens, grease overflow areas, hood ducts, fans, and filters are clean.
• [ ] The kitchen hood has an automatic extinguishing system (if applicable), and it is inspected and tagged annually.
• [ ] Access to the kitchen is restricted to authorized personnel only (when required by facility rules).

8. Grounds and Exterior

• [ ] The area around the house is clean and free of debris and combustible buildup.
• [ ] Windows are intact; screens are present where required; broken glass is repaired or safely covered.

9. Fireplaces and Chimneys

• [ ] Fireplaces and chimneys are maintained and inspected annually for safe operation.

10. Sleeping Areas (Bunk Beds, if applicable)

• [ ] Bunk beds are spaced to maintain clear egress: 22" between double bunks, 33" between triple bunks, and a 36" aisle to each exit.

11. Sanitation, Lighting, and Housekeeping

• [ ] Food and non‑food contact surfaces are kept clean.
• [ ] Single‑service articles are stored, handled, and dispensed properly and are not reused.
• [ ] Restrooms have self‑closing doors (if required), are clean, and are supplied with hand soap, towels/hand dryer, tissue, and a covered waste receptacle.
• [ ] Garbage containers are covered, insect/rodent‑proof, clean, and emptied at appropriate intervals.
• [ ] Lighting is adequate, and fixtures are shielded where required.
• [ ] The premises are free of litter and unnecessary articles; cleaning/maintenance items are stored properly.

Questions? Contact the Fire Safety & Loss Prevention division of IU Public Safety.