Fire Safety For Kids

According to the NFPA, there were 1,734,500 fires in the United States in 2001. Of these, 50% were outside fires, 30% were structure fires (such as homes, which represented 76% of structure fires). 25.5% of 1-2 family home fires and 48.5% of apartment fires begin in the kitchen. Regardless, of a fire starts, in the process of escaping a fire, it is possible that your clothes, or that of a family member, will catch on fire.

“Stop, drop and roll” is a simple command that can save your life in a fire. Chances are that your children will learn it in school, but if they aren’t in school yet, it isn’t too early to learn this important command to keep their clothes from catching on fire. Even after they learn basic fire safety in school, it is important to refresh their memory regularly so they don’t forget, and know how to behave in an emergency.

Here are 8 simple steps to teach your child to stop, drop and roll:

1. Explain to your child that you are going to teach them a very important fire safety lesson and you need their full attention to learn what to do if there is a fire and if their clothes catch on fire.
2. Teach your children that stop, drop and roll can save their lives, and they should listen closely and practice the drill.
3. Tell them that if their clothes ever catch on fire, they need to stop whatever they are doing and drop to the ground.
4. Show them how to drop and then roll. It is important to reiterate the “roll” part of the drill, as often children just drop to the ground and stop. The rolling part is the most important, as it will extinguish any flames on their clothing.
5. Teach your child to cover his/her mouth and nose while rolling, to protect his/her airways from damage.
6. Practice stop, drop and roll at home with your child. Tell them that if they see anyone else's clothes catch fire, to yell "Stop, Drop and Roll" and to find an adult and call 911.
7. Teach your child how to escape in the event of a fire in the home.

Practice the drill on a regular basis, and if their clothes are on fire, to "stop, drop and roll." “Stop, Drop, and Roll” is a key part of an overall fire safety plan. Make sure that they understand this rule, that you have taught them a fire exit plan, and that you have a working fire alarm system.