With so many fire hazards in life, it is important to teach your children about fire safety. Just a few moments of education can make the world of difference in the face of an emergency. Always keep your flammable chemicals locked away from a child’s reach, as well as matches, lighters and cigarettes. Cover all electrical outlets and hide power cords whenever possible. Never assume your child is too young to understand. Toddlers can benefit from fire safety training that is presented in clear terms. Talk to children about fires and the things that can cause them early and often.
Practice egress with your children. Begin by showing kids how crawling can keep them safe from smoke. Establish an escape route, and practice crawling along it. Use blindfolds for older children to mimic the blinding effect of black smoke. Sound your smoke alarm so children can recognize its warning in case of emergency.
Stop, drop and roll is still the most simple and effective way to teach children about what to do if their clothing catches fire. This simple method can avoid or lessen skin damage. Practice stopping, dropping and rolling with homemade “fire.” Use double-stick tape to place red felt or construction paper flames to your child’s clothing. Encourage them to roll on the floor until all of the flames come free.Can’t get enough? There’s more: Review: Lots & Lots of Fire Trucks