Fire Marshal
Children's Safety and Fire Education Program

S.A.F.E. - Preventing Fire Tragedies
Children's Safety and Fire Education Program

Curious Kids Set Fires:

What parents can do to address curiosity in a positive manner...
before tragedy occurs.

The tragedies caused by child fire setting and playing with fire can be prevented...

Teach children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
Teach Children the nature of fire--it is fast, hot and deadly. It can quickly get out of control and be very dangerous if not handled properly.
Discuss the positive uses of fire--such as for cooking food, heating homes, etc.
Teach children that fire is useful, but not magic.
Teach children how to crawl low on the floor, below smoke, to get out of the house in case of fire.
Teach children how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothes catch on fire.

Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach!
Matches and lighters should be handled only by adults.
Instruct children to tell adults whenever they see carelessly discarded matches or lighters.
Allow your curious child to assist you in making fire and heat related activities safe.
Never leave cooking food, candles, open heaters, or lit cigarettes unattended.
Never leave electric cords hanging down where your children can play with them and use special outlet covers for outlets.
Keep flammable liquids out of your children's reach.
Make sure your fireplace has a screen over it.

Model safe practices--such as wearing tight-fitting sleeves, using pot holders, and turning pan handles in while cooking.
Keep matches and lighters away from children.
Use safe ashtrays and carefully dispose of ashes.
Never allow children to light pipes or cigarettes
Never play "tricks" with a lighter or matches.
Store flammable liquids away from heaters, furnace, etc.
Make sure your wood stove is installed properly.
Make sure your relatives or guests adopt your rules while in your home.
Check that your smoke detector is in working order on a monthly basis.

Last Modified: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 1:15 PM