Ideas for Fire Prevention Week

In the United States, National Fire Prevention Week is the first full week in October. Observed since 1922, it is a time to educate children and adults about behavior that can reduce the risk of fires and what to do if a fire does occur. Filling Fire Prevention Week with activities can ensure that kids are informed and know what to do.

Field Trips

• For school-age children, a field trip to the local fire station can be a good way to learn about fire prevention from the experts and see firsthand the equipment that firefighters use. Besides helping kids get over potential fear about firefighters, a fire station field trip teaches kids about a possible career path and shows them what to expect if they're ever involved in an emergency scenario.

Guest Speakers

• If a field trip to the local fire station isn't possible, a guest speaker may be the next best thing. Firefighters may be able to bring their gear into the classroom and give students a hands-on demonstration of firefighting techniques, as well as tips for preventing fires.

Fire Drills

• Fire drills are an important part of National Fire Prevention Week. Parents should organize an drill to teach kids the proper way to get out of the house quickly. Home fire drills should include testing techniques, such as checking the bedroom door to make sure it's cool before opening it and staying low to the ground to prevent smoke inhalation. Kids should also learn an alternate exit route, and the entire family should agree on a meeting place at a safe distance from the house.

  School fire drills are equally important, both for students and teachers. While school fire drills may occur throughout the year, National Fire Prevention Week in October, near the beginning of the school year, is a good time to ensure that everyone knows the proper evacuation procedure and teachers know how to take roll and account for their students.

Fire Prevention Songs

• Fire prevention songs, which students can write themselves or with the help of a teacher, can teach younger students basic fire safety information. Songs may teach kids how to exit the home by staying low to the ground, advise against playing with matches and recite the 9-1-1 emergency number that all young children need to learn.

Fire Prevention Crafts

• Fire prevention crafts can get young children to think about fire safety before beginning a lesson on the subject. Coloring books, cut-paper collages and model fire trucks are all ways to get kids thinking about firefighters and the dangers of fire at home and at school.