Access and Premises

1.  Are address numbers for the building visible from the street?
2. Is the exterior fire department connection (FDC) unobstructed (if applicable)?
3. Is combustible vegetation removed so as to not create a fire hazard?
4. Is there maintained a minimum 3’ clearance around fire hydrants (if applicable)?

Egress (Exiting)

1. Are the exit ways and doors easily recognizable, unobstructed and maintained in functional condition?
2. Are the exit doors operable from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort?
3. Are the exits and exit enclosures free of storage?

Electrical

1.  Are all electrical outlets, switches and junction boxes properly covered with cover plates? Is the electrical system safe from any apparent shock and/or electrical hazards?
2. Are circuit breakers/fuses labeled so as to identify the area protected?
3. Is the area in front of the electrical panel(s) clear, by at least 30”?
4.  Are there any openings in the electrical panel that fingers could fit into?
5. Are extension cords used only for temporary use (90 days)?
6. Are extension cords of heavy duty construction, maintained in good condition, and only used as temporary wiring, or to service small portable appliances?
7. Is the capacity of the extension cord (s) greater than the rated capacity of the portable appliance supplied by the cord(s)?
8. If multiple items need to be plugged in, is a power tap utilized with a built-in circuit and is the power tap plugged directly into a permanently installed receptacle?

Emergency Lighting/ Egress Illumination

1. If emergency lighting is provided, is it maintained in operable condition? Please push the test button to see if light works.
2. Is the means of egress illuminated when the building or structure is occupied?

Exit Signs

1. If exit signs are required, are they maintained as illuminated or self luminous? Or are they of the reflective type?
2. Does the backup-battery work? (Push the test button, the exit sign should illuminate under battery power.)

Fire Extinguishers

1. Is there access to a fire extinguisher(s) rated at a minimum of 2A-10BC per 6,000/ square ft in low hazard areas and 3,000 sq. ft. in medium areas?
2. Is the travel distance from all portions of the building less than 75’ to a fire extinguisher?
3. Are all fire extinguishers visible and accessible (not blocked)?
4. Have the fire extinguisher(s) been serviced/tagged by a qualified technician within the last 12 months?
5. Is the fire extinguisher(s) properly mounted? Proper locations-near exit doors where possible, not exceeding maximum travel distance, properly mounted (maximum 5’ high if less than 40 lbs., maximum 3 ½’ high if greater than 40lbs. In all cases, minimum 4” above the ground)?

Heat producing appliances

1. If portable electric heaters are used, are they used safely? Are they plugged directly into wall outlets and kept a minimum of 3’ away from combustibles?

House Keeping and Decoration

1. Is combustible rubbish that is stored in containers outside of vault storage rooms removed from the building a minimum of once each working day?
2. Are oily rags or similar materials stored in metal, metal lined or other approved containers equipped with tight fitting covers?
3. Are combustible decorations flame retardant?

Mechanical hazards

1. Is the venting for exhaust products of combustion working properly for gas appliances? (i.e., water heaters, furnaces, etc.)

Storage of Combustibles

1. Is the storage of combustible materials orderly and clear of exits and openings?
2. Are combustible materials not stored beneath the building, stairs or structure?
3. Are the boiler rooms, mechanical rooms and electrical panel rooms maintained free of all combustible materials?
4. Are rubbish containers over 5-⅓ cubic feet (40 gallons), provided with lids and made of noncombustible construction?
5. Are dumpsters that are 1.5 cubic yards or more not stored inside the building and placed more than 5’ from combustible walls, openings or combustible roof eave lines?

Compressed Gasses

1. If your occupancy stores compressed gas cylinders such as oxygen, acetylene, helium, nitrogen, etc.: are the cylinders attached to a fixed object securely to prevent them from falling over?

Storage of Combustible and Flammable Liquids

1. Are quantities in excess of 10 gallons of flammable and combustible liquids used for maintenance purposes and the operation of equipment stored in liquid storage cabinets?

If you have any questions, please call the Missoula Rural Fire District Prevention office at (406)549-6172. Thank you for your participation in this important program.