How to be Fire Safe

Last year, fires claimed the lives of more than 3,315 Americans, and 20% of those deaths were comprised of children. By educating your kids in the dangers of fire and creating a fire safety plan, you can reduce your risk of becoming the victim of a tragedy. Make sure your children know what to do in the event of a fire, and practice fire drills with them regularly.

It is common for kids to be fascinated with matches, lighters and candles, but you must teach them that playing with fire is a dangerous activity to be reserved for adults. Emphasize that fire is hot, fast and deadly! Never leave young children unattended with an open flame, because they may learn about the effects of fire the hard way. Sit down with your kids, and highlight basic fire safety rules, such as:

• Do not get too close to heaters, stoves, radiators or fireplaces
• Do not place items in electrical sockets or play with cords
• Do not play with fireworks, roman candles or sparklers
• Do not cook food without adult permission and supervision

Also, teach your kids how to identify firefighters. When you see a firefighter walking down the street, point him or her out to your children. Make sure they understand that firefighters are good people who want to help, and they should not be feared. During extreme situations, such as fires or break-ins, it's not uncommon for kids to become afraid and hide. In the case of a fire, the last thing you want your child to do is hide from firefighters.

Since kindergarten, we are taught to stop, drop, and roll if we catch on fire. This fire safety tip cannot be stressed enough! Teach your children this life-saving trick, and practice with them to make sure they understand how to do it properly.

The most important factor that will keep your family safe during a fire is preparation. Create a fire safety plan and perform regular drills with your family. Designate a meeting spot, explain safe exit strategies, and identify an emergency contact. Do not be soft around the details; make sure that your children know exactly what to do during a fire. Teach them to do the following:

• Get down on their hands and knees to avoid smoke inhalation
• Find the nearest exit, do not scramble to find belongings or pets
• Before opening interior doors, use the back of their hand to test for heat
• If fire is blocking the exit, break a window and use a blanket to safely exit
• Never hide from firefighters during a fire or other emergency

Talk to your children about the dangers of fire, and teach them how to safely evacuate in the event of a fire. Don't let the frightening nature of fire prevent you from discussing it with your kids! Knowledge is power, and preparation is critical.