How to Teach a Child to Stop, Drop and Roll

Stop, Drop and Roll is the response fire personnel teach people to do if their clothing catches on fire. Although this technique is usually taught in school, children who aren't in school yet can still learn fire safety, and how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches on fire.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fire Ladders
• Smoke Detectors
• Smoke Detectors
• Fire Extinguishers
• Fire Extinguishers

1. Explain to your child you are going to go over some fire safety lessons, and that you are going to teach them what to do if their clothes ever catch fire.

2. Teach your child that Stop, Drop and Roll can save their lives if their clothes ever catch on fire.

3. Tell your child that if their clothes ever catch on fire they need to stop whatever they are doing and drop to the ground.

4. Demonstrate to your child how to drop and then roll.

5. Teach your child to cover his mouth and nose while rolling, to protect his airways from damage.

6. Practice Stop, Drop and Roll at home with your child. Tell them that if they see anyone else's clothes catch fire, to yell "Stop, Drop and Roll" and to find an adult and call 911.

Tips & Warnings

• Teach your child how to escape in the event of a fire in the home. (See "How to Teach your Child Exit Drills in the Home.")
• Make sure matches, lighters and cigarettes are kept out of the hands of children. Put them in high places where tiny hands can't get to them - and be sure to tell them that matches and lighters start fires and are not toys to play with.