Fire Safety Rules for Children

If given the opportunity, some children will play with matches and lighters out of curiosity. Sadly, this curiosity can have severe consequences, including burn injuries and even death. Adults have to be aware of these dangers and teach children that fire is a tool, not a toy. Below are several important tips on how to protect children from fire:

• Families should make a fire escape plan and every member ought to learn what to do in case of a fire.
• Children should be taught that playing with fire is very dangerous and to tell an adult if they see lighters, matches, or any unsupervised fires.
• Lighters and matches must be kept out of children’s sight and where they can’t reach them, such as on a top shelf, container, or locked cabinet. Only lighters with child safety features should be used in the home.
• Children often imitate what others are doing, so adults or older siblings should try to avoid using matches or lighters in front of them.
• Adults should never tell a child to use lighters or matches for various tasks, such as lighting a candle or a fireplace.
• Burning candles must be placed out of the reach of children, so they can’t knock them over.
• Children should never be allowed near the stove when cooking. Pot handles should be kept on the stove, away from children’s reach.
• Adults must protect children from hot liquids, especially during winter, to avoid scalds and other injuries.
• Children should not touch operating space heaters or put anything on them to avoid scalds and potential fires.
• Children who are old enough should be taught how to use a fire extinguisher in case of a fire.

More information about disaster preparedness for children is available here. The PuroClean team stands ready to provide professional restoration services to any property affected by fire, water or mould damage.

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