Homes are full of potential fire dangers. The use of matches, cigarettes, candles and electronics all increase the risk of a devastating fire starting within your home. Educating, planning and practicing fire safety with your children can reduce the risk of such a disaster occurring while enhancing their likelihood of a safe escape.
Hazards
Accidents involving matches and children remain a leading cause of fire-related injuries to those under the age of 5, reports Kids Health from Nemours. Therefore, keep matches, lighters and other fire-starting supplies in a secure place, out of the reach of children at all times. Store flammable products, such as gasoline or kerosene outside of the home or attached garage.
Smoke Alarm
Every level of your home should have at least one smoke alarm, as well as each occupied bedroom and kitchen. Replace alarm batteries once a year, and conduct regular monthly tests to ensure they are in good working condition. According to Kids Health from Nemours, the presence of a working smoke alarm can reduce your risk of dying in a fire by 50 percent. Teach your children to know the sound of the smoke alarm and what to do when they hear one.
Smoke Inhalation
Most fire-related deaths are the result of smoke Inhalation. Close your bedroom door at night to reduce your risk of smoke inhalation while sleeping. Teach children to stay visible and not hide under beds, in closets or in a corner during a fire. Show them how to stay low, crawl and cover their face with a wet cloth or piece of clothing to prevent breathing in smoke.
Escape
Develop an escape plan for every member of your household. Establish two optional escape routes for each room in the house, especially bedrooms. Make sure furniture and other objects do not block these established routes. Every window in your house should open with ease and not be stuck shut with paint, nails or bars. Teach children to touch door knobs with the back of the hand, testing for heat. Provide alternative escape routes in the event of a hot door. Second floor bedrooms housing mature individuals should be equipped with a fire-resistant escape ladder. Teach babysitters your escape routes.
Considerations
Establish a meeting place outside of the home, where family members will gather after escaping a fire. Do not gather belongings or call 911 until safely outside the compromised building. Never go back inside a burning structure. Teach your children to use the technique of stop, drop and roll to extinguish clothing that has caught fire. Always dress your children in flame-retardant pajamas.
