Fire Safety: Protect Your Child from Home Fires

Install smoke alarms outside all sleeping areas and on all levels of your home. 

Prevent home fires caused by children by removing fire hazards and setting house rules for fire safety.

Younger children:

. Remove hazards: Store matches, lighters and flammable liquids out of reach, preferably in a locked area.
. Fire safety rule: If you find a lighter or match, do not touch. Tell an adult immediately.
. Fire safety rule: Never play with fire.

Older Children:

. Fire safety rule: No smoking. No incense burning or lighted candles allowed in the bedroom or in any room unless an adult is present.

Make and practice a home fire escape plan:

. When the alarm sounds, family members should leave home immediately.
. Identify and practice two escape paths from each room. Stress the need for speed in leaving and never returning to a burning building.
. Agree on a spot outside where the family will meet.
. Practice the escape plan at least twice a year. It is wise to have one nighttime practice drill since nighttime fires are common.

Younger children:

. Practice a fire escape plan using your smoke alarm to signal the drill. In addition, discuss common fears.
. Make sure young children understand not to be afraid of or to hide from the firefighter. Show them pictures of firefighters dressed in firefighting gear or take them on a tour of your local fire station. Teach young children not to hide in closets or under beds.

Older children:

. Practice a fire escape plan using your smoke alarm to signal the drill. In addition, review the following potential problems:

If clothing catches on fire, do not run. Stop, drop and roll.

If smoke alarm sounds, leave the house immediately. Test doors before opening them by kneeling at the door, reaching up as high as possible and touching the door, the knob and the space between the door and the frame with the back of your hand. If the door is warm, use another escape route. If the door is cool, open it slowly. Be prepared to slam the door shut if smoke or heat rushes in.

If you must escape through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees to the exit. Keep your head low to the floor.

If you cannot escape safely, stuff the crack under the door with clothes or a towel to keep smoke out. Go to the window to call for help.

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Information about Fire Safety was graciously shared by Dr. Patricia Keener, author of Caring for Kids: Useful Information & Hard-to-find Facts About Child Health and Development , and Riley Hospital for Children.