Basement Safety Checklist

Basements collect every hazard—moisture, mold, wiring, structural problems, and storage disasters waiting to happen. This checklist covers the critical stuff that keeps a basement safe, dry, and not trying to kill your house from below.

For whole-home hazard scanning, review Home Hazard Identification.

1. Moisture and Flood Prevention

• [ ] Check walls for damp spots or efflorescence (white mineral streaks)
• [ ] Ensure sump pump works (test it with a bucket of water)
• [ ] Verify backup battery or generator for sump pump if needed
• [ ] Keep dehumidifier running in humid seasons
• [ ] Inspect foundation for cracks or leaks

2. Mold and Air Quality

• [ ] Look for musty smells—first sign of mold growth
• [ ] Check behind stored items for hidden mold
• [ ] Ensure vents and returns aren’t blocked
• [ ] Run HEPA air purifier if basement is used as living space
• [ ] Confirm dryer vents exhaust outside, not into basement

3. Electrical and Fire Safety

• [ ] Inspect exposed wiring for fraying or damage
• [ ] Confirm outlets near water sources are GFCI-protected
• [ ] Keep flammable items away from furnace or water heater
• [ ] Ensure electrical panel is unobstructed (3-foot clearance)
• [ ] Test basement smoke and CO detectors

4. Structural and Foundation Checks

• [ ] Look for bowing walls or horizontal cracks
• [ ] Check support beams for rust, rot, or shifting
• [ ] Inspect stairways for loose handrails
• [ ] Verify egress window opens fully if basement is used as a bedroom

5. Plumbing and Utility Safety

• [ ] Inspect water heater for leaks or corrosion
• [ ] Check main water shutoff valve location and function
• [ ] Look for condensation on pipes—insulate if needed
• [ ] Inspect washing machine hoses for cracking

6. Storage Safety

• [ ] Keep stored items off the floor (use shelves)
• [ ] Store chemicals in sealed containers away from heat sources
• [ ] Avoid stacking heavy boxes too high
• [ ] Keep cardboard boxes away from moisture-prone walls

7. Pests and Wildlife

• [ ] Look for rodent droppings or gnaw marks
• [ ] Seal gaps around pipes and foundation openings
• [ ] Check window wells for debris or pests

8. Emergency Equipment

• [ ] Keep a flashlight and batteries accessible
• [ ] Store a basic first-aid kit
• [ ] Have a water shutoff tool nearby
• [ ] Ensure basement exit paths aren’t blocked

Basements hide problems until they get expensive. This checklist catches the moisture, electrical, and structural issues early—before they spread to the rest of your home.