As a parent, you do everything you can to protect your children from harm. Don't forget to address fire safety. The time you take now to learn fire safety tips and teach them to your children can make the difference between everyone getting out safely and a life-changing disaster. The United States Fire Administration recommends making children aware of the dangers of fire at a very early age.
Electrical Awareness
KidsHealth from Nemours advises parents to check the house for electrical problems. Make sure all of the electrical appliances are in good condition and the cords aren't frayed. Avoid plugging too many appliances and other electrical items into one outlet. Check light bulbs to see if they are at or below the highest recommended wattage on the fixture.
Make sure you have circuit interrupters that will halt electric current to faulty circuits. Don't place rugs or carpets over electric wires. Move lamps and light bulbs away from any sort of fabric, including draperies or bedspreads. Unplug electric blankets when you aren't using them. Cover electric outlets if there are small children in the family.
Household Hazards
Other hazards include portable heaters that aren't used properly, kitchen fires, fireplaces and cigarettes. Never leave a small child alone with a portable heater. Keep the heater at least 3 feet from flammable materials. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends teaching your children not to touch or even get close to heaters or radiators. Also explain that they are never to place anything over a lamp, such as a blanket or article of clothing.
Supervise children when they are in the kitchen and don't allow them to wear loose clothing that can catch fire. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove to prevent a small child from tipping hot foods that could touch the burner and cause a fire or from tipping hot foods onto himself. Teach children to keep dish towels and paper towels away from anything flammable.
If you use a fireplace, keep it clean and cover it with a screen to prevent sparks from igniting on the carpet or on children's clothing. Never leave a child alone in a room with a lit fireplace. Parents who smoke should be diligent about keeping sparks and ashes from falling into upholstered furniture. Don't toss cigarettes into the trash until you are sure they are no longer lit.
Open Flame Protocol
Never allow small children to play with matches, lighters or candles. Repeat the dangers of playing with these items to keep the information fresh in their minds. Keep all ignitable items out of the reach of children.
Store fuel and other flammable items in an outbuilding to which children don't have access. Keep candles away from children and double-check to make sure they are blown out before bedtime. Don't let children use candles in their bedrooms.
Fire Escape Plan
Develop a plan to escape if a fire breaks out in your home, advises the U.S. Fire Administration. Practice this plan with your children and include meeting at a designated place outdoors and away from the house. Explain that firefighters are friendly and not to be feared.
Teach your children that if fire breaks out in the home to get closer to the floor and crawl out of the house because heat and smoke rise. If their clothes catch on fire, they need to know how to stop immediately, drop down and roll to put out the fire. Test the fire alarm often to make sure it works and let your children know what it sounds like so they can react quickly. Replace all smoke alarm batteries at least once a year.
