Home fire checklist

A short list to help prevent home fires and get out fast if one starts. It's based on US Fire Administration, Ready.gov and American Red Cross guidance, not advice about any one home.

Before a fire
[ ] Put smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas.
    Learn more: About smoke alarms https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prepare-for-fire/smoke-alarms/
[ ] Test your smoke alarms every month.
    Learn more: About smoke alarms https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prepare-for-fire/smoke-alarms/
[ ] Need smoke alarms? The American Red Cross offers free installation in some areas.
    Learn more: Smoke alarm visits (Red Cross) https://www.redcross.org/sound-the-alarm.html
[ ] Make a fire escape plan with 2 ways out of every room. Practice it with everyone in your home.
    Learn more: Make an escape plan https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prepare-for-fire/home-fire-escape-plans/
[ ] Pick a meeting spot outside.
[ ] Learn when it's OK to use a fire extinguisher: only on a small fire, after others are warned and 911 has been called, and only if you have a clear way out. If you're unsure, get out.
    Learn more: Using a fire extinguisher https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prepare-for-fire/fire-extinguishers/
[ ] Stay in the kitchen while you cook on the stove. If you leave, turn the burner off.
    Learn more: Cooking fire safety https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prevent-fires/cooking/
[ ] Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from heat sources, like space heaters, fireplaces and candles.
    Learn more: Heating fire safety https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prevent-fires/heating/

If a fire starts
[ ] Get out and stay out. Don't go back inside for anything.
    Learn more: Home fire safety https://www.ready.gov/home-fires
    Learn more: LA: Home fire safety https://gohsep.la.gov/get-a-game-plan/disasters-and-emergencies/home-fires/
[ ] Call 911 once you're outside.
[ ] If there's smoke, stay low and go under it to your way out.
[ ] If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands and roll until the fire is out.

After a fire
[ ] Don't go back inside until the fire department says it's OK.
[ ] Contact your insurance company or agent to report damage.
[ ] Need help after a home fire? Your local American Red Cross may be able to help.
    Learn more: Red Cross home fire help https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire.html
[ ] Replace ID and papers that were lost.
    Learn more: Replace lost ID https://www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents

Sources: US Fire Administration (usfa.fema.gov); Ready.gov "Home Fires"; American Red Cross; NFPA; Louisiana GOHSEP.
Information from US federal and state government agencies and from nonprofit organizations. KAVO360 is not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by any of them. Last reviewed 2026-10-21.

General information only, not advice about any one home. If there's a fire, get out and call 911. Follow your local fire department.