Teaching your kids about fire safety

by Vanessa Vance, Early Learning Adult Educator

National Fire Safety month is coming upon us. Many children may think fire is pretty and fun. The misconception may be because their first experience with fire may have been a birthday candle. They do not know the dangers that can happen. It is important to make sure your child knows what to do in case of a tragedy such as a fire.

Practicing fire drills in your home can help prepare them for this. Have a “safe place” that the family agrees to have as a waiting spot to meet. Make sure the “safe place” is far enough from the actual home to be safe from the heat and flames of a possible fire.

REMIND CHILDREN:

• Matches and lighters are dangerous and should not be touched by children
• What an alarm sounds like, so they are not scared when they hear it
• Not to hide from the fire
• Stay low to the ground
• To “Stop – Drop – and Roll” if clothing or hair catch fire
• To stay in the “safe place” and not leave until an adult meets them
• That an adult may be a fireman or policeman
• To NOT return back to the home to save belongings

Remember to replace the batteries in your fire alarms even if you think they are still good! It may just save your lives!

Cover image by Flickr user Aberdeen Proving Ground, Creative Commons license.