Fire Safety for Kids
Fire are very dangerous. More people die in fires then in hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and all other natrual disasters combined. We're glad you want to help us prevent fires. We need your help.
Can you guess how many fires are started by kids every year? Every year children start nearly 100,000 fires that hurt people and cause a lot of damage. Thats why playing with fire, lighters, matches, or candles is such a bad idea.
* Smoke Alarms *
Have you ever wondered what a smoke alarm is? Or why it is important? How would you know if your home was on fire? What would happen if you were sleeping? You may not see fire, smell smoke or wake up in time to get out safely. Smoke alarms can help. What's a smoke alarm anyway? Smoke alarms are tools that can tell if there is smoke in the air. They work even if you can't smell the smoke. A smoke alarm looks like a small dish or dinner plate on the ceiling or wall of your home. A smoke alarm makes a very loud beeping noise to warn you that a fire has started. When you hear the loud noise, follow your home escape plan and get out fast.
Kids can help make their homes safer from fire by helping grown-ups remember to:
1) Put smoke alarms in your home, espeically near bedrooms
2) Test smoke alarms monthly to make sure they are working, and so you'll know what it sounds like when it goes off.
3) Replace old batteries with band new ones at least once a year.
4) Keep smoke alarms clean from dust. You can clean away the dust by running the vacuum cleaner attachment over and around them.
* Escape Planning *
Have you ever wondered what you would do if there was a fire in your home? Or why it is important to have a fire escape plan? What would you do if there was a fire in your home? It's important to get out fast! Never hide or take time to gather up your belongings. Fires are scary and confusing. They can be loud. Burn very fast, and their smoke can make a room or home very dark. It helps to have a plan so you'll know what to do to get out of your home! Good escape plans help you get out of your home quickly in case of a fire. The best plans have two ways to get out of each room. If one way is blocked by the fire, you can get out the other way. When escaping, stay low to the floor. Somke rises during a fire. The safest air is down low.
You can help your family make an escape plan. Here's how:
1) Try to find two ways out from every room in your home.
2) The first way out should be a door. Every way needs to be planned and practiced with grown-ups.
3) Before opening any door in a fire, feel it first. If it is hot, there may be fire on the other side. Try to get out another way.
4) Stay low to the floor when escaping a fire.
5) Pick a safe and easy-to-remember place outside the home to meet your family after you get out.
6) After you get out, call 9-1-1 or the fire department.
7) Stay outside no matter what. Don't go back for anything.
* Home Fire Safety *
Have you ever wondered how you could help keep your home safer from fire? Where in your home do possible fire problems exist? What can you do to make sure that you and your family are less likely to be harmed by fire? Fires are scary and very dangerous. They are loud and hot, and the smoke makes it very dark. Fires hurt and destroy things in your home. You and your family can help make your home safer from fire. Here's how.
1) In The Kitchen
* Don't cook alone or without asking an adult.
* Remind your parents to turn pot handles toward the center of the stove. They should never hang over the edge wher someone could bump into them and knock them off the stove.
2) Through Out The House
* Never put anything over a lamp, like clothes or a blanket, not even when playing.
* Don't touch radiators or heaters. Ask an adult to turn a heater on or off for you.
* Don't stand too close to the fireplace or a wood stove. You could get burned or your clothes could catch fire.
* Never touch matches or lighters, or candles. If you see matches or lighters in a room, tell an adult right away.
* Remind grown-ups to change somke alarm batteries at least once a year.
3) Around Electricity
* Don't play with electrical cords.
* Never stick anything into an electrical socket.
* Turn off lights, stereos, TV's and other electrical equipment when you are finished using them.
To learn more goto the United States Fire Administration Kids Page at:
www.usfa.fema.gov/kids/index.htm
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