Emergency File: Set up a "quickly accessible" alphabetical file (index cards) with the following information on each child, then place it near the classroom door:
*Name
*Person(s) to call in an emergency
*Parent's first and last names, home and work phone numbers and addresses
*Child's doctor's phone number
*Names of all people authorized to pick up child
*Any other important information (allergies, for example, written in red)
When I did this, I compiled the cards together with a shower curtain clip then hung it on a hook by the door.  It was great to be able to grab it as I went out the door whether it be to play on the playground, exit for a fire drill, go on a field trip, or if someone different than the usual person came to pick a child up from school.  It took some time at the beginning of the year and, at the time, I dreaded it because it was just one more thing to have to do, but it became so handy throughout the year.

Fire:
*Do you know where the nearest extinguisher is, does it work, and do you know how to use it?
*Go over your classroom fire escape plan.
*Ask your director about the Smoke Alarm.  Is it working properly?  Don't take for granted that it is.

Allergies: Post important information like a child's allergy on a large card and place it in a prominent place in the classroom.  (For instance, it would be appropriate to post a peanut allergy near the snack cabinet.)

First Aid:
*Are First Aid Guidelines posted where they can be easily read (outdoors too)?  Are emergency phone numbers (police, 911, and poison control center) posted near the phone?
*Check your First Aid Kit for supplies:
sterile gauze squares and roller type gauze     band-aids    bandage tape    alcohol wipes    Syrup of ipecac    tweezers
eye dressings    thermometer    scissors    safety pins    soap    nonporous disposable gloves    insect bite preparation
cold packs     If you can think of more that should be added here, e-mail me

Also place an index card in the kit with all supplies listed on it.  That way, when you check the box at the beginning of the year, you can check the list for the supplies that should be in the box and add them if needed.  Get into the habit of checking the list each time you get into the box for something -- especially if the kit is used by several classrooms.
 

*Are all electrical outlets covered?

*Are there sharp edges on tables or ledges that children could run into?  Check for splintered edges as well.

*Can anything fall on a child such as a piece of furniture that may be unsteady, or items from an overloaded shelf?

*Is there anything on the floor to cause tripping/slipping?

*Are all the toys in good repair and safe for the developmental age of the group?  Are the toys clean?  Make sure there are no fabric hats, scarves, or other headgear in the dramatic play area (to cut down on the risk of head lice).

*Can fingers get pinched someplace?

*Are room dividers low enough that you can see all children all the time?
 

*Is the playground clear of debris?

*Are there railings and walk spaces on the top of slides to prevent falls?

*Are the S-hooks secure on the swings (meaning not open)?

*Are all swinging ropes in good condition?

*Is there sand or other absorbent material under climbing equipment?

*Are all play structures free of splinters, wide cracks, rusted areas, or loose screws/bolts?  Are all play structures anchored well into the ground (example: A-frame of the swingset)?  Remove all broken toys/play equipment.

*Are metal surfaces in the shade so as to prevent skin burns?

*Is the playground surface smooth without holes or protruding objects?  Is it free of poisonous or prickly weeds?
*(In Florida, is the playground free of fire ant mounds?)

*Are riding paths wide, with gentle curves, and are they marked clearly for one-way traffic?