Children and Fire Safety
Every day Americans experience the tragedy of fire. Each year more than 4,500 Americans die in fires and more than 30,000 are injured. Figures show that each year about 450 people are killed and $300 million in property is destroyed in fires attributed to children playing with fire.
The Schererville Fire Department United States Fire Administration (USFA) encourages parents to teach children at an early age about the dangers of fireplay in an effort to prevent child injuries, fire deaths, and fire-setting behavior in the future. Below are some facts about children and fire safety.
CURIOUS KIDS SET FIRES
Children under five are curious about fire. Often, what begins as a natural exploration of the unknown can lead to tragedy.
Children set more than 100,000 fires every year.
Children make up between 20% - 25% of all fire deaths.
About 40% of the fires that kill children under five are set by children playing with fire.
At home, children usually play with fire in bedrooms, in closets, and under beds. These are "secret" places where there are a lot of things that catch fire easily.
Too often, child fire-setters are not given proper guidance and supervision by parents and teachers.
Consequently, they repeat their fire-setting behavior.
PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY IN YOUR HOME
Supervise young children closely. Do not leave them alone even for short periods of time.
Keep matches and lighters in a secured drawer or cabinet.
Have your children tell you when they find matches and lighters.
Check under beds and in closets for burned matches, evidence your child may be playing with fire.
Develop a home fire escape plan, practice it with your children and designate a meeting place outside.
Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
Teach children the nature of fire. It is FAST, HOT, DARK, and DEADLY!
Teach children not to hide from firefighters, but to get out quickly and call for help from another location.
Show children how to crawl low on the floor, below the smoke, to get out of the house and stay out in the case of fire.
Demonstrate how to stop, drop to the ground, and roll if their clothes catch fire.
Install smoke detectors on every level in your home.
Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke detector.
Check the smoke detector each month and replace its batteries at least once a year.
Replace the smoke detector every ten years.
Finally, having a working smoke detector dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire.
And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.