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Help Sparky the Fire Dog inspect your home for fire safety Is your home fire safe? Smoke alarms.  Smoke alarms can warn you about a fire before it's too late.  But they're no good if they don't work.  Learn the sound of the alarms, and help your parents test smoke-alarm batteries once a month, by pushing the test button. Matches and lighters.   Matches and lighters should be kept up high where small children can't see or reach them.  Let adults in your home know if you find matches or lighters around your home and tell them if anyone you know is playing with fire.  Remind parents to use special lighters that little children can't work. Ashtrays for smokers.   If people smoke in your home, Sparky wants to make sure there are lots of large, deep ashtrays around - the kind that won't tip over.  And make sure ashes are soaked with water before dumping them into wastebaskets. Space heaters and portable heaters.   Space heaters and portable heaters should be at least three feet (one meter) away from anything that can burn - including walls and furniture.  Sparky wants you to measure. Kitchen safety.  The kitchen stove and the counters around it should be clean and clear of anything that can burn.  If pots are on the stove, make sure the handles are turned inward so nobody can bump them and young children can't grab them. Electrical cords.   Loose or broken electrical cords and wires are a sign of a real danger.  Play it safe - buy a new appliance or pay an electrician to replace a damaged cord. Hazardous materials.   Some liquids can burn. Paints, gasoline, charcoal-lighter fluid, and paint thinners should be stored well away from heat, sparks or flame. Develop a home escape plan.   Make sure everyone in your family knows two ways out of every room and where your outside meeting place is.  Practice your plan at least twice a year.  Click here for more information on home escape plans. Fireplace screens.   Fireplaces should have screens or glass doors to prevent sparks from flying into the room. Help Sparky keep your home fire safe.  Learn the rules of fire safety and use the checklist below to join the hunt for home hazards.  Report your findings to an adult. Is there at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home? Have you tested your alarms to make sure they all work? Are matches and lighters locked away? Are there large, deep, non-tip ashtrays for smokers? Is there at least three feet (one meter) around space heaters or portable heaters. Is the kitchen stove clear of anything that can burn? Are cords, wires and appliances in good condition? Is gasoline stored outside in an approved safety container away from heat, flame and sparks? Is anything blocking doorways or stairs? Does the fireplace have a study screen?