As a mom, my most important task is keeping my boys safe. As the wife of a firefighter, I hear stories that are just… well, sad, to put it simply. Teaching children the importance of fire safety will help in protecting them from unecessary tragedy. It starts with safe practices and procedures in the home – believing that prevention will save parents from dealing with an actual fire. Kids of all ages should be surpervised closely so their natural curiosity does not get the best of them.
The most obvious potential fire alert in a home is the fireplace, but do not overlook lighters, matches, candles and fuels. They should be locked up in a secure place out of sight so children aren’t prompted to play with them. Even small children can access counters and higher places by using chairs, etc, so keep this in mind when storing these potential fire dangers.
How parents and other adults act with these potential fire dangers in front of children can play an impact on how children will act with them. Children are naturally fascinated by flame, so it is important that we do not give the impression that they are toys or for entertainment purposes. Children should be taught that these things are for adults only and their use by adults in front of the children should show safe use and only using it as it is intended, then putting it away.
An invaluable tool for fire prevention is installing smoke alarms in the home. They should be placed on every level of the house and outside the sleeping areas. They should be tested monthly and batteries changed once or twice a year. For a more thorough list of fire prevention ideas, you can look up products like fire extinguishers from fire protection online.
Home fire drills are also important: practice escape routes with children – and include alternate routes in case a door is hot or smoke is pouring in – so they know all possible ways to get out the house safely and where to meet once they are out of the house. Marking doors and windows that can be used as exits could help children know them even if smoke covers the marks as they will see them on a daily basis. Children need to learn that if they hear the smoke alarm, they need to get out of the house, quickly (unless they are told it is simply a test).
Keep bedroom doors closed, especially in babies’ rooms as it may keep smoke away longer.
Children know and love firefighters, and often dream of becoming one when they grow up. Firefighters are often pictured in their bunker gear and helmet, but with their face clear. Let me assure you that this is NOT how they look when fighting a fire, dealing with smoke, and rescuing anyone still inside a home or other structure. Their SCBA gear can actually look pretty scary.
Make arrangements to take toddlers and other children to a nearby fire station to see a firefighter in full gear so they have an idea what to expect. Many kindergarten classes take field trips to the fire station. This past year, during their Community Helpers theme, my husband went to my son’s Kindergarten class and their buddy class to talk to them and while he was there, he donned his full gear, including all the “scary” extras. The kids loved it and it helped them understand why he had to wear the different gear and what to expect if a firefighter comes into their home during a fire, that is safe to go to the firefighters and not be afraid of the gear.
Appliances and electrical cords are also fire concerns. They should be in good working order, not overtaxed or frayed. Outlets should only be used as intended and cords should never be placed under rugs. Check light bulbs for correct wattage for each lamp or light. GFIC’s (ground fault circuit interrupters) prevent shock and shut off faulty circuits before they start a fire. Place plastic outlet covers in all unused outlets if small children and crawling babies live in the house.
Also, don’t forget about the kitchen – burners and ovens, towels near flame, coffeemakers and other small appliances.
In association with Fire Protection Online.
{ 1 comment }
