Children and Fire Safety

Control Kid’s Access to Fire

• Keep all matches and lighters out of the hands of children. If possible, keep these sources of fire in locked drawers. Consider buying only “child-proof” lighters, but be aware that no product is completely child-proof.
• Children as young as two years old can strike matches and start fires.
• Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time.
• Teach children not to pick up matches or lighters they may find. Instead, they should tell an adult immediately.

Fire Safety at Home

• Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, especially near sleeping areas.
• Smoke alarms should be kept clean of dust by regularly vacuuming over and around them.
• Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least twice a year. And replace the entire unit after ten years of service, or as the manufacturer recommends.
• Families should plan and practice two escape routes from each room of their home.

Control Curiosity

• Talk to your child or students in a calm, assured manner about fire safety.
• Consider visiting a fire station if children are interested in firefighting and/or fire trucks or contact your local fire department’s public education office to coordinate a firefighter visit to your classroom.
• For parents: Create opportunities for learning about fire safety at home. For example, when you cook, let your child get the pot holder for you; when you use the fireplace, let your child bring you the wood or tools; if you use candles, let the child check to make sure the candle holder fits snugly; and when you change or test the batteries in your smoke alarms, ask the child to help you.

Activity Pages for download

• Maze (girl)
• Maze (boy)
• Games