Answering Curiousity About Fire
A THREE-STEP APPROACH
STEP ONE: Teach your child about fire.
“WHAT IS FIRE”: Fire is a natural energy source which provides heat, light and energy. Fire is a tool that we use in our everyday lives to produce heat, cook food and heat our homes.
- Fire is a useful tool, for use by adults. Fire can be dangerous, it is not a toy or a plaything.
- Fire can easily get out of control.
- Only adults can safely use fire and must follow special fire safety rules.
STEP TWO: Control your child’s access to fire.
- Create a safe home environment.
- Keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of young children. A two-year-old can operate a lighter or strike a match.
- Never – not even for a moment – leave a stove, lighted candle or fire in a fireplace unattended.
- Teach your children that matches or lighters are to dangerous to even touch. Teach your children not to touch lighters or matches they may find, but to tell you where they are.
- Remember to praise your children for following your instructions.
STEP THREE: Set a good example.
- Children learn by watching and imitating adults. Set a good example for children.
- Point out the safety precautions you use for cooking, heating, fire safety.
- Post emergency numbers by the telephone and teach children how and when to use them.
- Emphasize the importance of getting out, then call for help from another location. Items such as toys and pets can always be replaced, but a child cannot.
FAMILY FIRE SAFETY IDEAS
- Install smoke detectors on every level of your home; check the batteries and test the detectors monthly. Include everyone in your home in the activity and discuss fire safety. Practice your escape plan.
- When choosing an evacuation meeting place, try to plan it so no one has to cross the street.
- Learn to get emergency help in your community; teach your children how and when to call for help.
- Ask your local fire department for a home fire safety inspection. Rid your home of common fire hazards.
- Set your hot water heater temperature no higher than 120 degrees.
- If you have fire extinguishers, know how and when to use them and when to get out of your home.
- Have your furnace and chimney inspected and cleaned yearly.
For more fire safety information, contact your local fire department or the National Arson Prevention Clearinghouse at 1-888-603-3100.
