Hot Tips for Fire Safety
My family and I were at a friend’s home for a barbecue when the boys were little. The kids were playing together, adults talking and laughing. Everyone was having a good time when all of a sudden there was a blood-curding cry. One of the preschoolers had put her hand on the side of the hot grill. Her dad scooped her up in his arms. Another parent ran for cold water and ice. The burn wasn’t as bad as it could have been, but it was still horrible.
The thing is, the hosts and other parents had done everything right. The kids were asked to play away from the food prep area. A garden hose was laid out around the grill as a “no kid zone”. Parents were supervising the children. And still one little one got burned. Constant vigilance is necessary with children and fire.
To continue with our safety conversation, let’s talk about fire safety. Whether it’s a grill, backyard fire pit, fireplace, or even a candle, kids are mesmerized by fire. The best preventative is to be proactive.
• Keep all matches and lighters out of reach.
• Supervise children near fire. This includes candles, lanterns, and stovetops.
• Have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water near backyard fire pits.
• Practice “Stop, drop, and roll” if clothing should catch fire. Running will cause the fire to burn faster, dropping to the ground and rolling will extinguish the flames.
• Role-play what to do if your child finds a box of matches or is visiting a friend and the buddy wants to play with fire. Give kids the words to say, “No, I don’t play with matches. That’s dangerous. Give them to your mom.”
• Have your children help install or change the batteries in smoke detectors. Explain why it’s important to have detectors in the house.
• During a family meeting, make a plan for how to get out of the house if the smoke detector sounds. Most units have test buttons. Allow your children to hear what the alarm sounds like. Practice the route each member of the family would use to escape, staying low to the floor to avoid smoke. Have a meeting place in your yard or the neighbor’s to make sure everyone is out of the house safely.
• Elementary school-age children can be shown how to test doors for heat with the back of the hand. If the door is warm, a window will need to be the escape route.
• Visit the local fire department. Ask to see the uniforms the firefighters wear. If kids are familiar with the appearance and sound (voice) of emergency personnel in full gear, they won’t be afraid and hide from firefighters.
Fire is fascinating. Make your summer activities safe for the whole family with a quick refresher on fire safety then head for the fire pit to toast smores!
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
Proverbs 1:8a
© 2013 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.
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