While no family would ever wish for their home to be ravaged by a blazing fire, or even entertain the thought of an event like that ever happening, it is still very important for each member of the household to be aware of what a fire can do and what measures they can observe to protect themselves and their property. Parents should be able to teach their children about the gravity of such an emergency and about the best ways to prevent and respond to this safety risk.
By making the effort to educate children about staying safe from fire, parents will be able to show children how they can save their own lives, as well as that of their parents and the rescuers who arrive at the scene. Here are three key points that children should understand about fires:
1. How to avoid starting a fire
Children are naturally curious about the world around them and will readily explore places and examine objects which can cause a fire to start, without them knowing. If you're a parent, as early as possible, begin teaching children that things like matches, candles, lighters, electric stoves, and cigarettes are not playthings and are off-limits, because they could potentially cause a fire if handled incorrectly. If they see that such items are misplaced, instruct them to inform you immediately so they can be put away.
Also, teach children never to operate heating equipment or household appliances without adult supervision, and to stay away from electrical outlets.
2. What signs can alert them of a fire
Your children have to be able to identify the signs indicating that a fire has already broken out. Let them hear what a fire alarm and smoke detector sound like so they will be able to know when there is a hazard. It's also a good idea to show them photos of what firefighters and rescue personnel look like (e.g., their uniforms, protective gear, equipment and vehicles) so they can identify these individuals when they arrive.
3. How to respond to a fire
Every family should have a fire emergency plan in place. Make each child memorise a plan for responding to a fire:
· Finding or waking up parents if they hear the fire alarm
· Crawling beneath smoke · Rolling around the floor with their hands covering their face if their clothes catch fire
· Avoid opening a door that is hot or that has smoking coming in around its edges
· Calling the emergency telephone number
· Yelling out a window if they can't get out on their own
· Different ways to get out of the house · A single outdoor location, like a neighbour's home or a nearby public park where they should meet, especially if they get separated from each other.
4. Refreshing their knowledge of fire safety habits
Teaching children about fire prevention and response shouldn't be a one-time thing. Make it a habit to regularly share friendly reminders and go through the safety plan every few weeks so the children won't forget. By letting your children know that the matter of a fire emergency is serious and that each family member can help keep himself and the rest of the family safe, you can all be better protected should such an emergency take place.