Fire Safety - Essential Tips to Teach Childeren in Avoiding Fires

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

It is the primary responsibility of child care providers like teachers and parents to teach children about fire prevention and safety. It is an all year round concern especially that fires often happen inside the home. Teaching basic fire protection techniques in children will definitely increase their chances in surviving this tragedy. Here are 7 fundamental tips kids can learn about safety in fires.

1. Have an escape route planned.
In planning for an escape route for your family, it is important to have two methods to escape in each part of the house. This is done in the likelihood that your other exit is blocked or bursting in flames. Remind the children to never to leave things that can obstruct passageway to an exit. Fire safety techniques also include teaching children how to cover their face and use a towel in grabbing items to prevent burning themselves.

2. Instruct children how to dial 911 or the fire emergency number.
Knowing the local number for the fire department is significant. Emphasize this by letting them practice using an unplugged phone.

3. Teach children about escape ladders and finding their way out without lights on.
If your house has a second floor, escape ladders should be placed near the windows. Let your children practice using this fire safety exit. If there are small children, then let them practice from the first floor window so they will have a clear idea on what to expect in case a fire does break out. It is anticipated that a power outage can occur in a fire breakout. Teach your children how to find their way into the dark by blindfolding him and letting him feel his way into a room.

4. Provide them with basic information on smoke detectors and fire alarms.
Teach children about fire prevention equipment like smoke detectors and fire alarms. They should be able to associate the sound of an alarm with the need of evacuating themselves out of the house. Regularly check these devices and change batteries to ensure that it is operating properly.

5. Teach them how to stop, drop and roll if their clothes catch fire.
There is a possibility that a child may catch fire with his clothes. Make them understand the stop, drop, and roll technique to decrease risk of burn injuries.

6. Practice fire drill exercise with your kids monthly.
Fire drills with your whole family every month is one way of ensuring they are ready and equipped with the basic fire safety skills.

7. Clearly instruct your children to never go back to the burning house no matter what.
Tragedies often happen when survivors of a fire go back to the burning house to save someone else. Instill in your children to never return inside the house under any circumstances even if a member of the family or a pet is still missing. Report this to the professional firefighters to avoid further injuries or deaths.

It is always a good idea for parents to talk to their children on what they can do to escape a fire emergency. Different families may have different strategies but what is most important is that they know the fundamentals techniques in surviving a fire. Remember that being prepared will definitely save you and your children's lives.