Shelter and Housing Site Safety Walkthrough Checklist

A regular safety walkthrough catches small problems before they become incidents. Walk the site on a set schedule, vary the time of day, and write down what you find.

Entrances and exits

• Entry doors close and lock properly
• No doors propped open
• Exit doors open freely from the inside and are not blocked
• Exit signs are lit
• Visitor sign-in is being used

Lighting and visibility

• Interior and exterior lights are working
• No dark corners in hallways, stairwells, or parking areas
• Staff can see common areas from their stations
• Mirrors or cameras cover blind spots, where your site uses them

Fire and life safety

• Fire extinguishers are in place and inspection tags are current
• Smoke detectors and alarms are working
• Hallways and stairs are clear of storage and clutter
• Evacuation maps are posted
• Sprinkler heads are not blocked

Common areas

• Floors are dry and free of trip hazards
• Furniture is in good repair
• Restrooms are checked on a schedule
• Kitchens and cleaning supplies are secured as required

Emergency supplies

• First aid kits are stocked
• Emergency supplies are where they should be and within date
• Emergency numbers are posted at staff stations
• Radios or phones are charged and working

Staff readiness

• Staff on shift know who is in charge
• Staff know the emergency procedures and meeting points
• The shift log is current

Outside the building

• Walkways and gates are clear and secure
• Trash areas are tidy
• Nothing outside could be used to climb or force entry

Follow through

A checklist is only useful if problems get fixed. Record each issue, assign it, and check it again on the next walkthrough. Look for patterns over time.

Adapt this list to your own building and local fire and building requirements. Our Facility Safety Training helps teams build everyday safety habits. See also emergency preparedness.