Church Fire Safety Checklist: Is Your Church Fire Safe?

• Pay attention to low battery warning sounds (chirping) and replace the batteries promptly.
• Test all smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button to ensure they make a load sound.
• Vacuum or dust all smoke alarms regularly to remove debris that may clog the vents.
• Replace the batteries in all smoke alarms annually, even if they seem to be working properly.
• All smoke alarms must be replaced less than 10-years after its manufactured date.

Fire Alarms

• Test the fire alarm system once a month to ensure it alerts the entire building.
• Replace fire alarm batteries at least once a year or as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Clean smoke detector chamber with compressed air or vacuum as needed to remove debris.
• Complete tests, inspections, and maintenance based on local NFPA guidelines.
• Follow all state, city, and municipal health, building and fire codes.
• Be sure there is a maintenance and service contract on the fire alarms that is up-to-date.

Sprinkler System

• Ensure sprinkler heads are clear of obstructions with no objects closer than 18-inches.
• Have the sprinkler system inspected by a licensed fire sprinkler system company.
• Sprinklers should checked by the fire department or a certified fire protection professional.
• Be sure there is a maintenance and service contract that is up-to-date on the sprinkler system.

• Make sure at least one fire extinguisher is within 75-feet of anywhere in the church.
• Check the paths to fire extinguishers are clear of obstacles and are quickly accessible.
• Ensure all fire extinguishers are visibly mounted to save confusion in an emergency.
• Mount near an exit so a person can leave fast in case they decide not to fight the fire.
• If your church has a commercial kitchen, ensure the fire extinguisher is K-Rated.
• Fire extinguishers must have an annual inspection by a fire extinguisher company.

IMPORTANT: Use a portable fire extinguisher ONLY if the following conditions apply:

• The area of the fire is small and confined.
• The fire is minimal in size and not spreading.
• Everyone inside has exited the room.
• Smoke has not filled the room.

TIP: For the proper use of a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS:

1. PULL the safety pin and direct the hose away from you.
2. AIM low by pointing the hose at the base of the fire.
3. SQUEEZE the lever and handle together to discharge the extinguishing agent.
4. SWEEP the hose from side to side, keep your aim on the fire’s base, and move toward the flames with care. Be sure to always maintain a safe distance.

Circuit Breakers or Fuses

• Get an annual inspection from a licensed electrician.
• Address any concerns with the same licensed electrician.
• For modern churches, review breaker box for tripped circuit breakers.
• On older churches, inspect fuse box for blown-out fuses.
• All fuses should have the proper amperage rating for the circuit it protects.

Lights & Lighting

• Only use light bulbs with the proper wattage that matches the fixture.
• Keep a constant lookout for lights that flicker or blink on and off.
• Take immediate action when a rubbery or burning odor comes from a device such as a lamp.

Electrical Outlets

• An electrical outlet should not have more than one item plugged into it.
• Do not use multiple electrical adapters on the same outlet.
• Do not overload electrical outlets by drawing more power than they can handle.
• Check for discolored outlets or an outlet that feels warm to the touch.
• Use child safety covers on outlets if your church has children or a daycare.
• Pay close attention to replacement of old outlets with accompanying ground wire.
• Never alter a plug to fit an outdated electrical outlet.

Electrical Cords / Extension Cords

• Dispose of and replace cracked, broken, or frayed electrical cords immediately.
• Only use extension cords of good quality and only use temporarily (max 90-days).
• Do not run electrical/extension cords under furniture, rugs, or across doorways.
• Never use electrical cords or extension cords in or near water.

Power Strips

• Do not overload power strips with too many plugs because they can overheat.
• Never use power strips in or near water.

Electric Tools

• Cords on electrical tools should be in good condition and free of fraying or other damage.

General

• Never hang curtains, towels, and paper towel racks over appliances that produces heat.
• Keep flammable materials at least 3-feet away from heat-producing devices of any size.
• Do not use aerosol cans or cleaning products near a heat source and store them away from heat.
• More than one person must stay in the kitchen when boiling, broiling, frying, or grilling.
• Never use a generator, camp stove, grill, or any device that burns gas, propane, or charcoal indoors.

Stoves & Ovens

• Keep items like pot holders, paper plates, towels, and plastics away from the stove.
• Always point pot and pan handles away from people towards the back of the stovetop.
• Ovens and stovetops should be cleaned regularly or after use to avoid a grease fire.

Microwaves

• Only use microwave-safe dishware in a microwave.
• Never use metallic objects like silverware or tinfoil (aluminum foil) in a microwave.
• Remove hot items from a microwave with extreme care.
• More than one person must stay in kitchen when food is microwaving.
• Microwaves should be cleaned regularly to avoid a grease fire.

Appliances

• Never plug more than one large appliance or many small appliances into the same outlet.
• Always run appliance cord away from a sink where it could get wet.
• Appliances should never be used when you are in or near water.
• Ensure appliances are unplugged when not in use or when done or leaving the kitchen.
• All appliances must have an independent testing lab label (UL/FM). This signifies tests were done on the product by a third-party laboratory. Moreover, it verifies quality, safety, and compliance with specific standards.

Commercial Kitchen

• Ensure the fire extinguisher is K-Rated and inspected annually by a fire extinguisher company.
• If your church kitchen has an exhaust hood, have a certified contractor conduct an annual cleaning.
• Exhaust hoods with a fire suppression system should be serviced every 6-months by a licensed company.

• Use candle holders that are sturdy, non-flammable, and have a large well to collect wax.
• Trim the wick on all candles to ¼ inch and always keep them that way.
• Place candles on uncluttered surfaces where they won’t be easily tipped over.
• Keep candles away from hair, clothing, artificial flowers, and decorations.
• Do not use candles around unattended children because they get curious about fire.
• All matches and lighters should be kept away from children at all times.
• Ensure all lit candles are fully extinguished and the glow of wick is completely out.
• After wicks are out, a person should remain for 30-minutes to ensure they don’t reignite.

• All occasion lighting, like holiday lights, should be up-to-date and working properly.
• Ensure all lighting is in compliance with the outlet or surge protector’s capacity.
• Never string lights under rugs, furniture, or across doorways.
• Always turn off the occasion lights upon leaving the room.

• Seek shelter at the first sign of thunder. Lightening and thunder happen together and will not be far behind.
• Lightning rods can be important in minimizing hazardous lightning strikes and possible fires. Consider investing in a lightning kit for your church especially if near the coast.

• Put in place a fire escape plan with at least 2-ways out of the church.
• Never open doors that are warm to the touch, find a different way out.
• Learn to crawl low under smoke, do not walk through or breath the smoke.
• If smoke, heat, or flames block the exit, close the door and call for help.
• Don’t leave anyone behind and call 911 once everybody is outside.
• Ensure everyone knows where the safe meeting place is outside the church.
• Teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like and what to do when heard.
• Instruct everyone to STOP, DROP, and ROLL if their clothes catch on fire.
• Assign staff members to assist with the evacuation of the congregation.
• All staff members must practice the fire escape plan twice a year.

Exits

• Exit signs should direct occupants and be illuminated at all times.
• A path to the exit door must remain clear and unobstructed at all times.
• Emergency lighting should be checked monthly to ensure it is working properly.

Storage

• Stored materials must be stacked with at least 2-feet of clearance from ceiling.
• Garbage containers should be at least 5-feet away from combustible walls, roofs, and doors.

Dryers

• Vent all dryers to outside and keep the area clear.
• Plug dryer into its own separate outlet.
• Clean lint from dryer screen before each use.
• Always follow manufacturer’s recommended time for drying synthetics, rubber, plastics, and foam.

Furnaces & Heaters

• Inspect furnace before cold season to ensure it is in proper working order.
• Check furnace filter often and change frequently it if needed.
• Keep areas near furnace and water heater clear of combustible materials.

Portable Heaters

• Only use portable space heaters with an automatic shut-off safety feature.
• All space heaters must have an independent testing lab label (UL/FM) to verify quality, safety, and compliance.
• Keep portable heaters clean and away from furniture, drapes, clothes, and walls.