Fire Safety
(visit Event Highlights for photos)
Prepare, Practice, Prevent
- Pre-school children start fires because they are curious.
- Do not make fire accessible (matches, lighters).
- It is NEVER ok to touch matches/lighters – not even to bring to an adult.
- A child should fear the danger of fire not the punishment.
- Test smoke detectors with children. Different detectors make different sounds. The message is the same… “GET OUT”
- Practice: escape plan/meeting place, YELLING at window, 911 and speaking on the phone – DON’T hang up
- Engage in ‘what if’ discussions – when to call or what to do
- Focus on what to do “Get Out”, “Go Tell” not don’t touch, don’t hide, don’t be scared…
- Every time you enter a building learn to look for EXIT signs
Teach concepts: hot/cold; tools vs toys; safe vs not safe – use a prop box or photos
Notify local authorities/emergency personnel if your child has a disability (physical, autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy)
Web resources
www.sparky.org
interactive site for children
http://www.fema.gov/kids/teacher.htm
fire safety, dealing with disaster, and terrorism