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Matches and Lighters
Don't let your children play with fire. Children are fascinated by
fire. They don't understand the danger of playing with matches and
lighters. Always keep matches and lighters away from children. Store
them up high, preferably in a locked cabinet. Keep matches and
lighters out of the reach of children.
Tell your children if they find matches or lighters:
Teach your children that:
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matches and lighters are not toys and are
dangerous;
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fire can hurt them and destroy things;
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once a fire is started it is difficult to
control;
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matches and lighters should only be used by
adults.
Stop, Drop and Roll
Practice the Stop, Drop and Roll movements with your children.
This could save their lives if their clothes ever caught on fire. Have
your children pretend that their clothes are on fire. Then tell them
to:
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Stop - Get them to stop where they
are, and stop what they are doing. Don't run!
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Drop - Get them to drop to the floor
as quickly as possible.
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Roll - Have them cover their face with
their hands, then roll over and over until the flames are out.
Plan to Get Out Alive
When children see smoke or fire they often respond by trying to
hide, for example in a closet, or under a bed. Tell your children that
they cannot hide from fire but they can escape if they follow a few
simple rules.
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Prepare a home fire escape plan with your
children.
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Practice fire drills at least twice a year
with your children.
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Show your children different ways to get out
of every room.
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Make sure your children know how to get out
of their home. Show them how to unlock doors and windows.
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In an apartment, your children need to know
which stairways will get them out of the building.
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Tell your children never to take the elevator
during a fire.
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Decide on a planned meeting area outside the
home as part of your home fire escape plan.
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Never go back into a burning building!
Get out, stay out and stay alive!
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Teach your children the Fire Department phone
number, 9-1-1.
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Call the Fire Department from a neighbor's
phone.
Crawl Low Under Smoke
Teach your children:
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smoke is dangerous;
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smoke rises, so cleaner, cooler air is near
the floor;
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to get down on their hands and knees and
crawl low under the smoke to the nearest exit.
Smoke Alarms
Make sure children know what a smoke alarm is. Children must know:
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smoke alarms warn them if a fire starts;
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to get out of the house immediately when they
hear the sound of the smoke alarm;
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smoke alarms are not toys and should not be
played with. Show your child how important smoke alarms are by
testing your smoke alarm every month and changing the battery at
least once a year.
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Visit our Smoke Detector
page for more information
Further Information
In case of fire or an emergency, call the Fire
Department at 9-1-1.
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