Fire safety is one of the most important things kids need to learn. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, kids are responsible for setting more than 35,000 fires each year, and about 8,000 of those fires occur inside the home. Between 15 percent and 20 percent of all fire casualties are kids. By teaching fire safety, you can help prevent your kids and your home from becoming fire statistics.
Step 1
Explain to your kids how fire works, how it begins, how fast it can spread and how deadly it can be. Tell them that if they see fire-starting agents such as matches or lighters they should tell you or another adult immediately. Let them know that fire is an adult tool, and they are never allowed to play or experiment with fire or fire starting tools.
Step 2
Demonstrate how your smoke alarm works, and what it sounds like when it senses smoke.
Step 3
Teach your kids that if they hear the alarm, see fire or smell smoke they should get down on the floor and crawl out of the room and house to a designated area such as a neighbor’s house.
Step 4
Plan an escape route in case there is a fire, then practice hearing the alarm, crawling on the floor and escaping to your safe place.
Step 5
Show your kids how to stop, drop and roll if they discover fire on their clothing.
Step 6
Visit your local fire station as a reward for learning your household fire safety routine. As long as they’re not on a fire call, firefighters enjoy helping parents and children learn about fire prevention and how firefighters use and maintain their equipment.
Step 7
Encourage your kids to make fire prevention and safety a habit by visiting a kid-friendly website that is dedicated to the subject. This will reinforce the lessons you’ve taught about fire safety in the home.
