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Fire Safety Checklist for Kids

Fire can be very dangerous for children, but the more they know, the more prepared they will be in the event of a fire emergency. This checklist of fire safety tips can help you and your family stay safe.

  1. Never Play With Fire

    • Matches and lighters can be tempting, but they are for adults only. If you find them in your home or play area, leave them alone and tell an adult.

    Know Your Smoke Detector

    • Have your parents show you where the smoke detectors are in your house, and listen to what they sound like when they go off. This sound is noisy and can be scary, but it's the sound of safety. Remember, escape first, and then call 9-1-1.

    Know Two Ways Out

    • No matter where you are in your house, have two ways out; usually this is through a door and through a window, but sometimes there are other ways, too. Play a game with your parents and quiz each other on what two ways you could get out of any room in your house. Never open doors that are hot to the touch.

    Know Your Safe Spot

    • Decide what a safe meeting place would be if you and your family had to escape a fire. It can be by a tree or your mailbox, or someplace else, like a special corner in your yard.

    Practice Fire Drills at Home

    • Pretend there is a fire in your home. Practice getting out safely and meeting your family at your safe spot.

    Remember Stop, Drop and Roll

    • If you are on fire, the best thing to do is STOP running, DROP to the ground, and ROLL until the fire is out; this can keep you from being seriously burned.

    Once You are Out, STAY OUT

    • Once you've escaped a burning building, never, ever go back in. If a family member or pet is still inside, let the firefighters know. They're the only ones with the right protective gear to be able to enter safely.

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