Fire Safety for Children

Fire safety tips for keeping children safe from fire by the U. S. Fire Administration.

The relative risk of children dying in a fire is now less than the general population. Lower risk may be attributed, in part, to an increase in public fire education and prevention efforts by fire departments and other fire safety organizations. Although the relative risk of dying in a fire for children is less than that of the general population, the fire service must continue its important role in teaching parents and caregivers about how to protect kids from fire.

Make a fire escape plan:

It is important to have a plan when there are children in your home. Children sometimes need help getting out of the house. They may not know how to escape or what to do unless an adult shows them.

• Have a plan for young children who cannot get outside by themselves. You will need to wake babies and very young children and help them get out. In your plan, talk about who will help each child get out safely.
• It is important to find 2 ways out of every room in your home in case the first exit is blocked or dangerous to use.
• Choose a meeting place outside your home. Children should know what to do when they hear a smoke alarm and there is no adult around. Help them practice going to the outside meeting place. Teach them to never go back inside a building that is on fire.

Keep children safe from fire and burns:

Some children are curious about fire. There are simple steps you can take to keep you and the people you love safer from fire and burns.

• Keep children 3 feet away from anything that can get hot. Space heaters and stovetops can cause terrible burns. Keep children at least 3 feet away from stoves, heaters or anything that gets hot.
• Keep smoking materials locked up in a high place. Never leave cigarette lighters or matches where children can reach them.
• Never play with lighters or matches when you are with your children. Children may try to do the same things they see you do.

Messages to share with kids:

• Fires burn fast and hot, and smoke can make a room very dark.
• You should know 2 ways out of every room and 2 ways out of your house.
• Before you open a door, feel it. If it is hot, use your other exit.
• Stay low and get to your exit if you smell or see smoke or if your smoke alarm sounds.
• Stay outside. Don’t go back inside for anything.
• Never touch matches, lighters or candles. If you find matches or lighters, tell an adult.

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.