FIRE SAFETY FOR KIDS

Fire Safety for Kids is a very important part of overall safety, especially in our homes. To teach our child about fire safety and be consistently role-modeling good habits regarding this topic takes time and some planning. We can begin, even before they are old enough to really understand all the details about fire safety to role model good habits. Something as simple as our children regularly seeing Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa checking their smoke alarms and changing the batteries leaves a strong impression. Include them as soon as they are old enough to 'help' pass Mom the batteries. As our children get older, having very firm home and family rules about the use and storage of flammable materials and a zero-tolerance for using lighters and matches sets a serious tone.

Every community has a lot of excellent resources designed to help families plan and practice good fire safety habits.For example, we can participate with our children and as a family reinforcing and remaining informed about the best fire safety for kids including how to plan and practice fire drills in our homes during Fire Safety Week activities. These events are often fun for the kids and we as parents always learn something important that may in fact save us from a serious situation, even family tragedy.

The list of fire safety items below is likely not new information for you; however, it will refresh some things you have always known about fire safety and hopefully remind you of a few items you had not thought about in quite awhile. It is important to remember at times when we have a major change in our lives, like the arrival of a new baby or moving into a new home are times we can forget some basic precautions and simple things to do. So be extra careful during major life changes.

Small and consistent changes, like regularly practicing a fire drill at home can go a long way to preventing a major incident. Giving time and attention to the area of fire safety for kids when are children are young and using a checklist for help to remember all the important points allows us to teach and role model important information that will keep them safe all through their lives.

We strongly encourage you to take the time to contact your local Fire Department. Search them online, call or visit your local fire hall. We all know the men and women, who dedicate their lives to responding in emergency situations are true hero's in our communities. They are also there for us to talk to anytime we have questions about keeping our homes and family safe.

1. Smoke detector alarms are a must-have in your home

• Set a reminder on your cell phone, email calendar so you don't forget to check regularly that they are in good working order!
  

2. Practice your fire escape regularly

• Most family's do not even have a plan, please make one today

3. Place space heaters away from flammable materials

4. Keep matches and lighters away from your child

• Have a zero tolerance rule for older children, this must have a stern consequence

5. Teach and Practice the “stop, drop and roll”

• Children love to practice this one so make it fun!

6. Take care of your cooking habits in the kitchen

• Know how to put out grease fires, kitchen fires can spread very, very quickly

7. Have approved fire extinguishers in your home and make sure everyone who is old   enough knows how to use them - Practice this