Parents Play a Key Role in Educating
Children About Fire Safety
The best way for parents to
teach children fire safety is by setting a good example. Let
your kids see you taking sensible precautions when cooking,
lighting the fireplace, or using candles. For example, when you
turn the handles of hot pots and pans towards the back of the
stove, instead of letting them hang off the front, explain why.
Parents can also take extra
time when changing smoke detector batteries to explain to their
children what they are doing, and why we have smoke detectors in
the house. Many children are unfamiliar with the sound of a
smoke detector – when you perform your monthly test, make sure
the kids are there to hear it (Remember: if your smoke detectors
are connected to a central monitoring station or to the police
station, tell your monitoring station that you are testing the
alarm before setting it off!).
That's also a great time to
discuss the Family Escape Plan – what to do if the smoke
detectors go off.
The Family Escape Plan
Children must be taught that if they hear a
smoke detector sounding, they need to leave immediately! It is
important to teach them they should never hide, or stop on the
way out to look for toys or pets – explain that the firemen will
come and look for the family cat or dog. Children should also be
taught to feel closed doors for heat, and not to open the doors
if they are hot!
As part of your escape plan, you should have
different ways to escape from every part of your home – fires
are unpredictable, and you can't predict which exit route might
be blocked by flames. The whole family should practice crawling
on their hands and knees to stay below the smoke.
The family should also agree
on a meeting place outside the house, and should practice going
to that spot during fire drills at least twice a year.
In a real fire, with blinding smoke, fire and
noisy alarms, it is very easy for family members, especially
children, to get confused about how to get out. Regular home
fire drills can help to ensure that everyone can get out safely.
Educate yourself about fire safety in the
home, and then talk to your children about the dangers of fire –
you are their best teacher.
Chief Edward J. McMahon
Basking Ridge Fire Company No. 1 & First Aid Squad
