Fires can happen really quickly and have a very serious effect on our lives, homes, and families. It is very important that everyone in your family is aware of proper fire protection and prevention. House fires and other types of fires are very dangerous and in some cases they can be deadly. Each year, hundreds of thousands of children suffer various serious injuries as a result of fires. Almost 500 kids die from fires every year, which only helps to reiterate just how important a good knowledge of fire safety is. Using common sense and following a few helpful tips can help you and your family stay safe even in the event of a fire.
Fire Prevention
There are many things you can do to help prevent a fire. First and foremost, smoke detectors should be installed in the home, particularly in the kitchen and in bedrooms. Fire extinguishers should also be readily available, and everyone in the family should know how to use them. Keep things like matches and lighters locked away and out of the reach of children. Children should know to call 911 in case a fire occurs so they can get help fast. All families should develop a plan to exit the home safely just in case a fire happens.
- Home Safety Council – Some easy tips to help prevent fires in the home.
- Smoke Alarms – Helpful information about smoke alarms, why they’re needed, and where to install them in your house.
- Home Fire Escape Plan – Use this handy grid to help you and your family figure out a personalized escape plan.
- Home Fire Safety Lesson – This interactive lesson will help you learn how to be safe from fires at home.
- Firesmart Children – This website is geared towards kids with a focus on fire safety.
- Campfire Safety – Campfires are also a potential fire danger; here’s some tips for kids on how to stay safe.
- What to do in a Fire – This page has an emphasis on how to handle a fire.
- Kid’s Fire Safety – A fire safety poem, activities, and much more.
- More Fire Safety Tips – Lots of good fire safety tips for children to learn.
- Quick Tips – This page features a list of quick tips and facts for fire safety.
Fire Dangers
In order to prevent fires, it’s important to know what the dangers are. Make sure panhandles are inward when on the stove so they do not get knocked over. Be cautious of flammable liquids and make sure parents have them locked up in the garage or somewhere away from children. Never leave a candle unattended, and always be sure to turn the oven or stove off when not in use. Look out for electrical cords that have been worn out and replace them. Do not overload an electrical outlet or power strip. Space heaters can also be dangerous if not properly maintained or watched. Knowing about the fire dangers is a good way to be aware so you can prevent them.
- Candle Safety – Some very useful tips on using candles safely.
- Space Heaters – Good information about space heaters and how to operate them the right way.
- Kitchen Fire Dangers – This diagram shows the many different fire dangers that can occur in the kitchen.
- Christmas Trees – Christmas is a fun time, but it can also be a fire prone time; here’s some information about Christmas tree fire dangers.
- Areas in your House – This helpful list showcases various fire dangers to be aware of in your house.
- What You Can Do – An excellent list of things kids can do to avoid fire dangers, and what to do if a fire occurs.
- Common Dangers – Article that discusses some of the most common fire dangers.
- Fire Dangers Test – This quiz can help test your knowledge of fire dangers and how to prevent them.
- Electrical Fire Dangers – Important information about electricity and electrical items in your home and potential fire dangers.
- Dangers and Tips – A quick list of common fire dangers, as well as safety tips.
If Caught in a Fire
If you happen to be caught in a fire, the first thing to remember is not to panic. If it is a small fire, try to access your fire extinguisher and put the fire out. If the fire is large or spreading, be sure you stop, drop, and roll and use your family’s exit plan. Call the fire department as soon as possible. If the fire is outside, sand or a blanket can often help to put the fire out quickly. Cover your face with a cloth or towel so you do not breath in too much smoke. Never run into a burning building; instead let the fire department handle rescue efforts. If a doorknob is hot, this usually means the fire is on the other side of the door. Get away from the hot door and escape out of the structure as soon as you can.
- What to Do – A helpful list of what to do in the event of a fire, from FEMA.
- Home Fire Drill – Family oriented website that promotes home fire drills and safety practices so you’ll be prepared.
- How You Should React – This easy to use, interactive site shows kids how to handle a fire.
- Are You Prepared? – A website designed to help families be prepared, and deal with a fire if it happens.
- Grease Fires Video – This video shows how serious a grease fire can be, and what you should do.
- Fire Resources – A comprehensive list of resources online for kids and adults in dealing with fires and preventing them.
- Chimney Fires – Families with fireplaces must be aware of chimney fires; this site explains how to handle them.
- Stop, Drop, and Roll – A great website that explains the important process of stop, drop, and roll.
- Fire Prevention and Action – Good resources on how to prevent a fire in your home, and what to do if one happens.
- Escape with the Miller Family – How one family learned and practiced their own fire safety escape plan.
Fire Safety Resources and Tips
Understanding how to prevent and deal with fires is so important for kids and adults alike to know. Having the facts and knowing exactly what to do is essential for survival. By using the right preparation and prevention techniques, you can keep fires from happening in your home, at camp, or anywhere else you might be. And if you get caught in a fire, knowing how to get out safely will save your life and the lives of others.
- Kids & Fire Safety – This fun website has lots of games and other activities to help teach kids about fire safety.
- Fire Friends – A cast of interesting characters help teach kids about being safe when it comes to fires.
- Fire Facts – An awesome website that even lets kids ask real firefighters their questions about fires and fire safety.
- Brochures – A large selection of fire-related brochures for teachers, kids, and families.
- Keep Kids Fire Safe Foundation – An organization dedicated to keeping kids safe from fires.
- Fire Word Search – Have fun playing these word search games with fire themed words.
- Exit Drills – More information about coming up with an exit plan and executing it to stay safe.
- Fire Smart Kids – This website is dedicated to educating kids about fire safety and preventing them from setting fires.
- Safety Guide – This page features a very helpful guide for kids to stay safe and prevent fires.
- Be Fire Safe – Some great advice for kids, from McGruff the Crime Dog.
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