-
USFA Kids states that each year more than 850 children under age 14 die in house fires. Another 2,800 kids are seriously injured. Don't underestimate the importance of talking to kids about fire safety. USFA Kids statistics reveal kids under age 10 represent 70 percent of all fire deaths, with children under 5 suffering the majority of these fatalities.
-
Select engaging, age appropriate material to teach kids fire safety skills. USFA Kids offers games, quizzes, coloring sheets and crossword puzzles to educate young children about fire safety.
Contact your local fire department about fire safety education opportunities. A firefighter trained as a community educator visits preschool groups and elementary classrooms armed with fire safety facts, stickers and workbooks. Kids listen when community helpers talk and tend to retain more information in an effort to please their heroes.
Watch cartoons such as Danger Rangers with fire safety themes. Discuss the topics and quiz your kids on possible scenarios after each episode. -
Fire safety education is the key to preventing childhood fire injuries and fatalities. Set a strong example. Involve your kids in home fire prevention tasks like changing smoke alarm batteries and checking fire extinguisher expiration dates. Don't model dangerous choices by leaving fires unattended or neglecting fire safety maintenance.
Teach your children fire safety by talking about fire safety hazards. Tour your home with a child, looking for overloaded extension cords, flammables near heat sources, improperly stored matches and fuels, and hazards such as stoves and fireplaces.
Practice fire exit strategies, escape routes and meeting places before needing these skills in an emergency. Try to find two ways to exit every room. Instruct kids to test doors and knobs for heat before opening them during a fire emergency. Teach your child to crawl along the floor to avoid smoke inhalation and provide the clearest view for escaping. Show children how to open security latches, window bars and other obstacles to a speedy exit.
Remind children to never hide in a closet, go back for a toy or try to find a loved one. Teach your child to get out fast, go to a designated meeting spot and call 911 from a predetermined neighbor's house. -
Many kids are extraordinarily heavy sleepers. Don't rely on a fire alarm to wake a sleeping child. Test the alarm while your children are asleep to see if the sound wakes them. Use the test to demonstrate what they should do in case of an alarm.
USFA Kids warns that toddlers as young as two can start fires with matches and lighters. When talking to kids about fire safety, teach kids to never pick up matches and always alert a grown-up immediately. Never allow a child to light candles on birthday cakes, turn on the stove or perform other adults-only activities. Watch for danger signs of fire play ,such as finding matches in pockets, smelling smoke or finding melted candles. These are warnings requiring strong intervention and fire safety education. -
Involve children in smoke alarm maintenance. Put smoke alarms near bedroom doors. Do not place an alarm too high on a vaulted ceilings or it may not sound soon enough due to pockets of poor air circulations. Test smoke alarms twice a year and replace batteries at least once a year. Daylight savings is a good reminder to check smoke detectors. Keep alarms free from dust by vacuuming with a soft brush attachment.
