Fire Safety Checklist

Part of Becoming a Safer Congregation

Use this checklist at least annually to make sure you have policies, procedures, and practices in place to avoid potential hazards and be ready for a fire event.

TASKYESN/AACTION ITEM
  1. Do we have a fire prevention plan?
   
  1. Has the local fire inspector gone through the building with us?
   
  1. Does the local fire department have an updated copy of church floor plans?
   
  1. Have evacuation plans been reviewed with our staff and volunteers?
   
  1. Are maps and evacuation routes posted visibly in every part of the building?
   
  1. Are all entrances/exits clear of obstructions, such as storage items, furniture, or landscaping?
   
  1. Are fire doors in good operating condition and unobstructed, including their counterweights?
   
  1. Are exterior trash containers kept away from the building to prevent fire and arson?
   
  1. Are there working emergency lights both inside and outside?
   
  1. Are flammable liquids and cleaning supplies stored appropriately and away from a flame source?
   
  1. Are items such as gas or paint thinner store outside in a locked garage or shed?
   
  1. Are shelving units used in storage areas rather than having boxes rest directly on the floor?
   
  1. In storage areas, are all items at least 18 inches below sprinklers or 24 inches below ceiling height? (Be sure to check with local fire department as regulations vary.)
   
  1. Is there a list of all the smoke detectors and fire extinguishers and their locations in our building, to ensure they are all maintained?
   
  1. Are the batteries in each smoke detector changed at least once a year?
   
  1. Are all smoke detectors hardwired into the electrical system and equipped with battery backup?
   
  1. Are hardwired carbon monoxide detectors provided for buildings equipped with fossil fuel heat sources and hot water heaters?
   
  1. Are all fire extinguishers checked and tagged annually by a qualified servicing contractor?
   
  1. Are all fire extinguishers checked monthly by staff?
   
  1. Are all fire extinguishers properly mounted on a wall in a conspicuous location?
   
  1. Are specifically hazardous areas such as the furnace/boiler room (Type-ABC) or kitchen (Type-K) equipped with a proper fire extinguisher in accordance with National Fire Protection Association standards?
   
  1. Is each floor level (including balconies) equipped with a proper fire extinguisher (Type-ABC)?
   
  1. Are fire extinguishers placed so the maximum travel distance to access one does not exceed 75 feet?
   
  1. Are employees periodically instructed in the use of extinguishers and fire protection procedures?
   
  1. Does the congregation hold fire drills so our congregation and staff will know what to do in the event of an actual fire?
   
  1. Does a licensed, bonded, qualified contractor regularly inspect and clean the boiler, furnace, heating, ventilating, and cooling system?
   
  1. Has an electrician inspected the wiring and circuit breaker panel (or fuse panel) to ensure it is adequate?
   
  1. If there is a fire alarm system, sprinkler system, or lightening and surge protection, has a professional inspected each system?