Firefighter Safety Rules for Kids

Teaching children about fire safety can make all the difference between life and death.

Fires are very unpredictable and can get out of control fast. Fire departments stress the importance of teaching your kids about fire safety in order to keep them safe in the event of a fire.

Identification

Firefighters suggest that parents should help children identify potential fire hazards such as cloth draped over lamps, getting too close to a stove or heater, and the dangers of handling lighters, matches or candles without mom or dad's supervision.

Considerations

Firefighters also recommend drawing up an emergency evacuation plan and practicing it with your family. Highlight all of the emergency exits such as doors and windows in the event of a fire.

Misconceptions

Parents often assume that a firefighter will be able to rescue their child from a fire but often a child is as scared of the appearance of a firefighter as the fire itself. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department suggests that you teach children that firefighters are your friends and not to hide from them.

Tips

Children and parents can learn more about firefighter safety from the U.S. Fire Administration for Kids. They offer games and activities to teach kids about fire safety in a fun and educational manner.

Facts

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children age 4 and under are at the greatest risk of fire-related injuries, and death and approximately four out of 10 home fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms.

References

• San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Resources

• U.S. Fire Administration for Kids