Teaching Your Children Fire Safety Tips

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

A crucial part of fire safety for kids is preventing them from starting a fire in the first place.

Tragically, children are most at risk during a household fire. Many of these fires are started by children playing with flammable items found in the home, such as lighters and matches.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 300 people are killed and $280 million in property is destroyed each year as the result of children playing with fire. Teaching your children basic fire safety tips can ultimately save their lives.

Preventing Your Child from Starting a Fire

A crucial part of fire safety for kids is preventing them from starting a fire in the first place. The easiest way to do this is to keep lighters, matches, candles, and any other flammable objects out of the potential reach of your children. When it comes to candles in the home, it's a good idea to invest in flameless candles to diminish the probability that your child knocks over an ignited flame.

Fire Safety Tips for Kids

Teach Kids About Smoke Detectors

Children should know what a smoke detector sector is, what they look like, how they sound, and what to do if they ever hear one in your home. It is essential for children to associate the sound of a smoke detector with a fire. You should ensure that smoke detectors are installed on every level of your home. Also, you should replace the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year.

Plan Escape Routes

When planning how to escape in event of a fire, you and your children should be aware of at least two possible exits from each room, usually a door and a window. You should also have a designated meeting space outside of your home, and far away from any flames, that all family members are aware of.

Practice Exiting Your Home

You should practice opening windows and using escape ladders with your children so they are prepared in case of an emergency. Teach your kids how to touch the doorknob to check for heat and, if needed, find another way out. When exiting a burning home, it is important to use your hands and not your eyes. You can practice this with your children by turning it into a game and having them try to exit the house blindfolded.

Stop, Drop, and Roll

Kids should know that if any of their clothing catches on fire they need to stop, drop, and roll. It is also a good idea to act this out and practice with them. If children understand that they need to stop drop and roll to reduce flames, many fire related injuries can usually be avoided.

Get Out, Stay Out

It is vital for children to understand that once they exit a burning building, they should never return under any circumstances. If a family member or pet is stuck inside the home, let a firefighter know instead of running back into the building yourself. Once at the designated meeting area, you and your children should remain there.

Ideally, you should practice this escape plan with your children at least twice a year to make sure that they feel calm didn't in what to do in case of a fire.