Fires can happen unexpectedly, and it’s crucial to prepare your family, especially young children, for such emergencies. Below we have advice on how to keep your children safe from fire.
Install smoke alarms
Ensure your home is equipped with smoke alarms on every level and remember to test them regularly.
Create an escape plan
Develop a family escape plan and practice it regularly. Make sure your children know at least two ways out of every room. Designate a meeting place outside where everyone gathers after escaping.
Teach stop, drop, and roll
Teach your children what to do if their clothes catch fire, they should:
- STOP moving
- DROP to the ground
- ROLL over to smother the flames
Practice with them to help them remember what to do.
Kitchen safety
The kitchen is a common place for fires to start. Always supervise your children in the kitchen and teach them about the dangers of hot surfaces, open flames and how to safely use kitchen appliances when they are old enough.
Matches and lighters
Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Educate them about the dangers of fire-starting tools and the importance of never playing with them.
Emergency contacts
Make sure your children know how to call 999 in the event of an emergency. Store emergency contact numbers near the phone and discuss when it’s appropriate to use them.
Fire safety is a skill that every child should learn. By following our tips and teaching your children about fire safety, you can help protect them from the dangers of fires at home.
Remember, preparation and education are the keys to ensuring your families safety in the event of a fire.