Fire Safety
As parents our hearts break when we hear of the loss of a child’s life due to fire. It’s sadder still when we learn that the fire could have been prevented. And yet, many of us have enjoyed gathering around a fire with our kids either to share s’mores during a campout, or to snuggle in front of a warm blaze on a cold, winter afternoon. These experiences create lasting memories and can strengthen family relationships. It’s important however, that we take the time to educate our children about the dangers of fire.
Statistics
It may surprise you to learn that children are responsible for setting more than 100,000 fires each year. Often, these are normal, curious kids like yours and mine who didn’t realize the danger their curiosity posed to them and to others.
Little ones will usually choose their bedroom as the place to experiment with matches or lighters. They work in their closets or under their beds. Closely supervising kids, especially those under five, can help. Also, regularly checking under beds and in closets might reveal evidence of risky behavior.
Fire departments throughout the nation responded to more than 400,000 house fires in 2006. Between 12,000 and 30,000 people were injured and more than 2,000 were killed. Sadly, children made up a full 25% of these fire related deaths.
The cost of injury and loss of property due to house fires is between $200 million and $1 billion annually!
Fire Safety Checklist
| ____ | Install working smoke alarms. Change the batteries every time you change the clock for daylight savings time. |
| ____ | Have a family escape plan. Determine a meeting place outside of the home. Practice the escape plan in a fun way, several times a year. This will help everyone to feel calm and confident should a fire occur. |
| ____ | Keep matches, lighters, gasoline and other flammable liquids stored out of reach and out of sight of children. Kids should never play with any of these items. |
| ____ | Closely supervise children under five. Check their closets and under their beds for evidence that they have been playing with matches or lighters. |
| ____ | Take care when near a stove, heater or open fire. Keep paper and other flammable items away from the heat source. |
| ____ | Kids should only cook when an adult is present. Keep hair tied back, away from the heat source. |
| ____ | If something catches on fire get out of the house immediately. Go to a neighbor’s home to call 911. Never return to a burning home for any reason. |
Resources for Parents and Caregivers