Child Safety : Teaching Kids About Fire

Teach children about fire safety in a way that does not frighten them. Help them understand not only how they can help prevent fire, but also what to do if there is a fire.

1. Fire is not for children

  • Keep all fire-starting material out of the reach of children, and tell them NEVER to play with matches, lighters or flammable materials.
  • If you smoke, have only one lighter or matchbook, and keep it with you at all times.
2. Stop, drop and roll!
    Teach children what to do if their clothes catch on fire. Have them pretend and take the following steps:
  • Stop — Get them to stop moving and NEVER run if they have fire on them.
  • Drop — Get them to drop to the floor as quickly as possible.
  • Roll — Have them cover their face with their hands, then roll over and over until the flames are out.
3. Smoke can be as dangerous as fire
  • Tell children that smoke can be very harmful, and in the case of a fire, the smoke can put them to sleep and keep them from escaping.
  • Smoke rises, so cleaner, cooler air is near the floor. Have children pretend the room is full of smoke and get down on their hands and knees and crawl low under the smoke to the nearest exit.

4. Know how to get help

  • Teach children to dial 911 in case of a fire emergency. Have older children memorize the phone number of the local fire department.
  • Ensure that all children know their address so they can direct fire services to where they are.
5. The older kids are, the more they should know
  • Young children need to understand the basics of escaping fire, but don’t frighten them or overwhelm them.
  • Teach older children and teens — and especially babysitters — more advanced fire safety techniques such as the following:
    • Before opening any door, make sure it is safe to do so. Reach up with the back of your hand to touch the door, the door handle, and the space between the door and frame. If they feel hot, use your alternate exit.
    • If you are trapped, close doors between you and the fire, and use blankets or towels (wet, if possible) to cover vents and cracks between floors and doors. Wait at a window and signal for help by using a flashlight or by waving a bright coloured sheet or cloth.