Teaching Children Proper Fire Safety Procedures
All children need to know safety procedures for many areas in their lives. These include first aid, not talking to strangers, and fire safety. Fire safety is very important for children to learn because a fire can occur at any place a child is at. Fires not only begin at home but at school or at a friend’s home. Children who are prepared for a fire can not only get themselves to a safe place but they can also help get others to safety. In schools there are always fire safety drills. These teach children to be prepared in the classroom in the event of a fire. Students are directed to line up in an orderly fashion and to walk in a straight line to a designated area outside. Following these directions encourages children to stay calm and escape in a safe way. Parents can teach their children at home about fire safety as well. A fire escape route can be planned as a family so that everyone knows where to meet outside in the event of a fire. Fire exits should also be discussed so children know which doors and windows they can escape from. Fire drills can be performed at home just like in school so children can practice escaping from a fire. Children should be told what they can and cannot touch when it comes to things in the kitchen and appliances. Stoves need to be avoided and children need to be taught that they do not touch pots and pans on the stove. Lighters and matches should be placed where children can’t reach them. Parents need to explain to children that these items are not to be touched. In the event of a fire at home when children are alone an escape plan needs to be followed and posted so they know what to do.