The United States Fire Administration (USFA) states, as of late 2009, fire kills 3,500 people each year, and kids make up 15 to 20 percent of those fatalities. Those statistics can be lowered by teaching youngsters safety facts on how to prevent and escape from fires. USFA recommends talking to them about the dangers of playing with fire and what to do in a burning building from an early age.
Prevention
Kids Health, a Nemours hospital website, recommends teaching kids simple fire prevention techniques around the house. For example, they can learn overloaded electrical outlets and extension cords are dangerous. Youngsters can also look out for drapes, blankets and other flammable material that is close to a light bulb, candle, appliance or other potential ignition source. These facts empower them to notice and point out potential hazards.
Escape
Facts on escaping a fire safely are critically important. Kids Health recommends having and practicing a family escape plan. Teach kids to stay low in a burning building and touch doors before opening them to make sure they are not hot. Remind them they must not stop for pets, favorite toys or anything else when escaping. They should get out and meet at the predetermined place in the escape plan. Kids should know how to drop on the ground and roll once outside if their clothing is on fire.
Use
Kids should learn fire is a tool that must be used carefully, not a plaything. The USFA warns that youngsters set 8,000 house fires each year while playing with matches, lighters and other dangerous paraphernalia. They tend to conceal themselves when experimenting with fire. Many typical hiding places, like closets and bedrooms, contain linens and other flammable material, which increases the danger. The USFA recommends talking to children about fire dangers and states parents should keep matches and lighters out of their reach. Train them to bring these items to an adult immediately if they are ever found.
Warning
Young children who have learned not to go with strangers should be taught firefighters are friends. The USFA explains they should be instructed not to hide if they are trapped in a burning building. Tell them to shout to attract attention and immediately go to the firefighters when they are found. Explain that firefighters are "safe" people, like police officers, who can be trusted in dangerous situations.
Considerations
Parents must set a good fire safety example that supports what the child learns. For example, the USFA explains adults should test smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries every year. It does no good to teach kids what to do when a smoke detector goes off if there are no working detectors in the household. Youngsters often disregard facts when they see adult behavior that sends an opposite message, so be consistent. For example, they won't believe matches are dangerous if they see parents using and discarding them carelessly.
