Teaching children about fire safety is one of a parent's most important duties. Each year, over 1,200 children die in fires, according to the website Teach Kids How. Fire drills are not just something that children should practice at their schools. You should begin teaching fire safety at home from the time your child takes his first steps. By developing a home evacuation plan and having your child run through a home fire drill, you are teaching him a skill that may one day save his life.
Safety Around the House
Teach children to never touch radiators or heaters from the time they begin walking on their own. Remind them to always be careful when they walk near a fireplace or wood stove.
It is important to instruct children about the dangers of electricity, both to prevent fires and to avoid electrocution. As soon as they begin toddling, children should be frequently reminded to never touch electrical cords or sockets.
Warn children about the dangers of matches and lighters--if they see them, they should notify an adult immediately. Lit candles can be an attractive nuisance and should be used only with great care when there are children around.
As children get older and begin to use the kitchen, tell them to request permission before cooking on the stove. Teach them to turn pot handles inward toward the stove to avoid accidents.
What to Do if Fire Strikes
Teach children to never run if their clothes should catch fire. Have them practice the "stop, drop and roll" drill. Show them how to use the back of the hand to test if there is heat behind a door; if there is, they should find another way out. Because the smoke from a fire can be deadly, have children practice "fall and crawl" to avoid smoke inhalation. In the event of a real fire, they should leave a room by staying low to the floor where the air is safest. Impress upon children that in the event of a fire they must get out fast without trying to take possessions. Warn them to never hide in a closet or under a bed, and once out of the house to not return for any reason.
Perform a Home Evacuation Drill
Start by explaining to your children how a smoke alarm works and demonstrate how it sounds. Point out the location of each detector in the house. Ask children to help you test all the detectors and and change the batteries at least once a year. Then discuss a home escape plan with your children. Plan and practice two ways to leave each room as recommended by the website FireSafety.gov. Pick a safe place outside the home for every member of family to meet in the event of a fire. Choose one family member to run to a neighbor's home to call 911.
Perform a family fire safety drill at least once a year in which you sound the smoke detector and children demonstrate that they understand evacuation procedure.
