Fire Safety Lesson Plan Ideas

A house fire is reported in the United States every 60 seconds, and each year fires kill an estimated 3,000 people and injure another 14,000. The groups most at risk of fire-related fatalities are adults over 70 and children under 5. The right lesson plan can teach children about the dangers of fire and ways to stay safe.

Different Types of Smoke Alarms

• Smoke alarms are central to fire safety. Smoke inhalation is the primary cause of fire-related deaths, and two-thirds of all fire-related deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms.

  Teach children about the importance of smoke alarms, and tell them about the two types of alarms: ion type and photoelectric type. Ion types are less expensive and react faster to open flame. Photoelectric types are less likely to react to cooking fires -- the primary cause of most home fires -- but they react faster to smoldering fires. The best practice is to have one of each alarm type in the home.

Do the Smoke Alarms Work?

• The batteries in smoke alarms should be tested monthly. It's also important that alarms be placed properly. Ceiling-mounted alarms should be installed at least 4 inches from the nearest wall, and wall-mounted alarms should be installed 4 to 12 inches away from the ceiling.

  Have children find and test each smoke alarm in their homes. Show them how to draw up a log of when the smoke alarms were checked and when batteries were replaced. This will allow the family to track when alarms need new batteries. Smoke alarms should also be replaced every 10 years.

Escape Routes

• Design fire escape plans. Have each child draw a floor plan of her home that includes windows and doors, and have her identify two ways out. Have children practice their escape plans at different times of the day.

  Have children decide on a place away from the home for family members to meet once they have escaped.

  Remind children that, during a fire, they must stay low to the ground to avoid smoke. They also can use the back of their hand to check doors for heat before opening them. Tell them that once they are out safely, they must not re-enter the house.

Fire Scene

• Present different scenarios to children, and have them identify fire hazards and explain why they are hazards. These could include the following:
  Frayed cords from electrical appliances.
  Electrical cords underneath carpets or furniture.
  Matches and lighters within reach of children.
  Fireplaces without mesh screens.
  Lamps with materials draped over them.
  Kitchen towels too close to stove.
  Overloaded electrical outlets.
  Candles close to fabric.
  Space heaters close to flammable objects.