Teaching your children about fire safety can be daunting and uncomfortable. How much do kids need to know to be safe and how often should we review this information with them? The fact is that in 2011, 277 children died in home fires in the United States. Information and practice with responding to fires should be an annual routine with your family.
To begin, talk to your kids about smoke alarms. Activate the test sound with them so that they know what to expect in the event that it sounds. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home and in all sleeping areas. Teach kids to get low if they hear the smoke alarm and to follow your family evacuation plan.
Matches and lighters should be kept out of reach of younger children. And all children should be taught the dangers of using flammable materials without strict supervision by an adult. This is especially true in the kitchen, where most home fires start.
Have the kids help with drawing a floor plan of your house. You can use markers or crayons and a poster-sized piece of paper to get the whole family involved. Talk to your kids about the fastest and safest ways out of the house in the case of a fire. Establish a meeting place at the mailbox or another location away from entrances to your home and practice the plan with a stopwatch. Try to beat each other’s times for a fun activity!
For more fire safety plans for the home and work and for all of your fire prevention needs, contact Rich Fire today!
Source: http://www.safekids.org/fire
