Children Curious About Fire

FACTS ABOUT FIRES AND BURN INJURIES FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF SIX

Children are naturally curious about fire.
From 1995 to 1999, thirty-one children ages six and younger died from fires and burn injuries in Oregon.
Too frequently children become victims of their own or their siblings’ actions. Even toddlers can start a fire with a match or a lighter.
All fire deaths among children resulted from fires started in the home.
Hot scalding liquids are the leading cause of burn injuries in the home.
Parents and caregivers need to take their child’s curiosity about fire seriously and practice fire safety and burn prevention in their home.

STEPS TO TAKE AT ONCE IF YOUR CHILD IS PLAYING WITH MATCHES OR LIGHTERS

Immediately collect all matches and lighters and lock them up.
Set firm rules that children are not to possess or use matches and lighters, or to light candles without supervision.
If you smoke, be responsible. Keep your lighter on your person and use only a child-resistant lighter.
Give permission to your children to tell an adult if they see a child playing with matches or lighters.
Keep gasoline, solvents, lighter or barbecue fluids in locked cabinets.
Install smoke alarms in your child’s bedroom, closet, hallway and common living areas.
Keep young children from watching TV or videos with fire themes.
Increase supervision for children fascinated with fire. Keep young children from playing alone; be sure they’re supervised in other children’s homes where matches and lighters may be easily available.

STEPS TO TAKE TO PREVENT BURN INJURY

Keep candles, oil lamps and lanterns up and away from young children.
Set the water heater thermostat to 120° F.
Keep hot liquids and foods from the edges of tables and counters. Refrain from using tablecloths with small children around.
Carrying children and hot liquids at the same time is unsafe.
Use lidded cups for hot beverages.
Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
Cover all unused electrical outlets with safety devices.
Use a special child-guard screen as a barrier for the wood stove or fireplace.

FAMILY FIRE SAFETY PRACTICES

Children learn by example. Model the safe and appropriate use of fire in your home.
Develop and practice a fire escape plan which includes two ways to exit every room and a special meeting place outside, away from the home.
Teach children what to do in case of a fire: crawl low under smoke to exit a room; yell “FIRE” and follow the escape plan.
Teach children to stop, drop, and roll if their hair or clothing catches on fire.
Teach children how to call 911 in case of emergency.
Always apply cool liquid to a burn.
Maintain smoke alarms; vacuum and test smoke alarms monthly.

HOW TO GET HELP IF YOU ARE CONCERNED

Contact your local fire department or call 1-800-454-6125.
A fire professional will interview you and your child and recommend fire safety education or counseling.
If education is recommended, you and your child will be offered education.
Your local fire department is connected to other providers in the community to help address more serious fire-setting behaviors.