Kids Fire Safety & Evacuation Tips

Fires are the third largest cause of fatal home injuries in the U.S. It is important to educate kids on fire safety and evacuation to prevent unnecessary death and injury from fires. Understanding the danger of fire can help kids prevent home fires and know how to react in a fire emergency.

Visit a Fire Station

• Most local fire stations will allow kids to come for a scheduled visit to talk about fire safety, meet firefighters and understand what firefighters do. Firefighters can appear scary to kids when they are wearing all of their gear and many kids become frightened when they see a firefighter in an emergency situation. It is important that kids understand that firefighters are there to help them and know that it is OK to go to a firefighter for help if they ever find themselves in a home fire.

Teach Kids Home Fire Safety

• Most home fires can be prevented by teaching kids basic fire safety. Younger children should be taught never to play with matches and to avoid playing with the knobs on the stove. Older children should understand the consequences of playing with fire and recognize the damage that it can do. Parents should walk through the home with each child and point out any potential fire hazards.

Have a Home Evacuation Plan

• In a house fire, time is of the essence. It is important that kids understand that they need to get out of the home as quickly as possible in case of a fire. Families should practice their fire evacuation plan every month and teach kids where to go once they have left the house in case of a fire. Plan for two ways out of every room in the home in case one way is blocked by fire.