Fire Safety for Kids at School

Fires can get out of control quickly and can happen anywhere. It is important that students understand basic fire safety at school so they know how to react in an emergency. Teachers can help students understand what to do in the event of a fire and how they can work to prevent fires from starting in the first place, whether they are at home or at school.

Teach Fire Prevention

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, a fire can get out of control in as little as 30 seconds (Reference 1). Students should understand what they can do to prevent fires at home and at school and learn to recognize things around them that could be a fire hazard. Teachers can give examples of possible fire hazards: putting something flammable near an open flame, such as a candle; playing with matches; leaving the stove on; or laying fabric or paper over a lamp. Teachers can ask students to walk through their homes and look for things that could potentially start a fire. Students can share their results with the class to help other students recognize possible fire hazards at home or in the classroom.

Field Trip to a Fire Station

Taking a field trip to a fire station can offer students valuable insight about the way fire works and how to protect themselves and others in the event of a fire at home or at school. Firefighters often allow students to see what they look like when dressed in full fire protection gear. Children are often afraid of firefighters dressed in protective gear and sometimes shy away from the professional who is trying to help.

Fire Escape Drills

All schools practice regular fire escape drills. Teachers can help their students feel more prepared for an actual emergency by walking through the steps of a fire escape drill and explaining why each step is so important. Students may not understand why they need to walk in a straight line when leaving the building or why they need to check in with their teacher once they have left the building. Explaining the reasons behind each step of a fire drill can help students to take official fire drills more seriously and be better prepared to react during an emergency.

Buddy System

Getting out of the building as quickly as possible is essential during a fire. In an emergency situation, it is easy to get distracted and lose track of students in the rush to get out of the building. Creating a buddy system for students in the classroom can help prevent anyone getting left behind in the event of a fire. Explain to students how important it is that everyone in the classroom gets out of the school as quickly as possible in the event of a fire and why it is important to help each other get out of the building.

Home Fire Escape Plan

Teachers can encourage students to create a fire escape plan for their home. Ask students to draw a rough outline of the layout of their home. Explain to students that they need to have an escape route planned for every room in the home. Have students draw a line showing the fastest way outside from each room. Ask students to share their escape plan with their family and ask their parents if they already have a fire escape plan in place.

References

• USFA - About Fire