• Are fire extinguishers up to date? (Should have a date stamped less than a year old)
• Are fire extinguishers mounted properly and free of obstructions? (Should be between 4 and 60” from the floor and nothing within a 36” radius of the extinguisher)
• Is the hood system inspected and up to date? (Required to be inspected twice a year – date tag should be less than 6 months old)
• Are sprinkler head free from obstructions? (Storage should not be within 18” of the head and nothing hanging from the head)
• Are fire doors working properly and free from obstruction? (They are not permitted to be propped open by wedges or any other temporary device)
• Are rolling fire door/shutters tested annually? (they are required to be drop tested once a year)
• Do you have an adequate number of fire extinguishers? (They should be placed so travel distance does not exceed 75 feet or where there is a significant hazardous area to protect such as kitchens)
• Are exit doors clearly marked, illuminated and free from obstruction? (They are required to be identified with signs that are internally or externally illuminated)
• Are all exit doors unlocked?
• Are all exits well lit?
• Are all electrical plates and outlets free from exposed wiring? (Cover plates are required, no open junction boxes are permitted)
• Are extension cords used properly? (They are for temporary purposes and not used as a substitution for permanent wiring)
• Are electrical panels kept clear at least 36” from storage?
• Are gas cylinders secured to prevent tipping?
• Are hallways and storage spaces free of accumulated rubbish?
• Is storage kept 24” from the ceiling?
• Is your address properly posted? (2 ½ inch height minimum)
• Are fire lanes clearly posted and marked?
• Are combustibles kept a safe distance from any heat source?

Info taken from http://minotnd.org/fire/Business%20Fire%20Safety%20Checklist.pdf

• Step 1: Call all local companies. You want a company that will meet with you face-to-face.
• Step 2: Have a representative come to your home and assess security risks.Ask them how they would go about securing your property.
• Step 3: Get a price quote for their services including equipment, installation, warranties and monthly monitoring fees.Get price quotes from 3 or 4 different companies.
• Step 4: Ask for references for some of their current customers you can call and ask questions.Ask how the set-up went, if the contract was clear and how their customer service is.
• Step 5: Do extra research.Find out what type of equipment the companies use and find some reviews on each component.
• Step 6: Sleep on it.Don't make any rushed decisions based on pushy salesmen.Make sure you are satisfied with their equipment and customer service.

The Home Safety Council outlines several useful tips for keeping your home office and workplace a safe environment.

• Keep your home office off limits to children unless supervised
• Install all home office equipment so it is out of children's reach.Place desktop equipment away from the edges of tables and desks so children cannot reach it.
• Be aware that shredders, paper cutters, paper hole punchers, electrical pencil sharpeners, and other home office equipment can be tempting for children. These should be placed well out of children's sight and reach.
• If your workspace is in its own room, install a smoke alarm and test it regularly.
• Thumb tacks, paper clips and other small objects are chocking hazards.Keep these where young children cannot see or reach them.
• Keep power strips and electrial cords out of walkways and out of children's reach.
• Keep emergency numbers posted by the telephone

As taken from: http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/safety_guide/sg_homeoffice_w001.aspx