Home Fire Safety:
What Children Need To Know

Fire is an important part of our lives. We use it to cook food and we use it as a source of warmth on a cold night. But, if uncontrolled, fire can bring injury – and even death – to those we love. Unwelcome fires can erupt from a cooking pot left on the stove.

Smart fire safety kids always remember:

• Never play with matches or with a cigarette lighter; and keep them away from your sister, brother and friends.
• Make sure your house has a smoke detector; ask the grown-ups in your house to check it often to make sure it's working.
• Ask your family if they will help you come up with an escape plan to get everyone out of the house in case of a fire or other emergency.
• If you see a fire breaking out, quickly tell an adult and leave right away.
• If the smoke is bad, cover your mouth with a cloth; crawl low on the floor until you get to the door or window.
• While trying to exit the house during a fire, always touch doors with the back of your hand to see if they are hot before you open them. If the door is hot, don't open it; go out the other way in your escape plan. If the door is cool, open it slowly and check to see whether it's safe and clear.
• If your clothes are on fire, drop to the ground and roll until the flames go out.
• Do not go back inside; wait outside at the spot where your family members will meet you.
• Know how to call for emergency assistance.