Children do not often think about what might happen if they experience a fire. Especially when they are playing, they may not notice that their actions are creating a fire hazard around the house. That is why it is most important to go over a list of fire safety tips with them so they are educated on the dangers of fire within the house. When discussing the steps they can take to prevent a fire, you can review with them the following:

Fire Prevention

• Do not touch matches, lighters, or lit candles. All of these pose a dangerous risk for a fire when handled improperly.
• Do not touch the thermostat, heater, or water heater. Instead, remind your kids to ask you to turn up the heat if they are cold.
• Do not play around the fireplace or wood stove. Even with a metal mesh fence, there could be a spark or burning piece of wood that flies out and burn skin.
• Do not play with electrical cords or sockets.
• Do not play around the stove. If you are hungry or want to cook a meal, be sure to ask an adult first.
• Never cover a lamp with anything. Especially with fabrics, any materials hanging on or covering a lamp is a dangerous fire hazard.

Being Prepared for a Fire

• Check all smoke alarms to make sure they are functioning properly. Make sure there is one in every room.

• Develop and practice a fire escape plan. This is most important if you live in a condo or apartment building. Teach children that if they smell smoke, they need to “get low and go.” Also, practice the technique of feeling the door first before opening it to see if it is hot or warm. Finally, establish a location outside where you will meet that is a safe distance away from the home.

Staying Safe

• As soon as you hear a smoke alarm, be sure to get out of the home quickly and safely. Tell your kids not to hide in the home or grab any belongings during this emergency.
• Review the family fire escape plan at least every 3 months.
• Remember to stay low to the ground when there is smoke in the air.
• Once everyone has safely evacuated the house, do not let your children back in for anything. Once it has been deemed safe by the professionals, you may be allowed to enter again.
• If you live in an apartment building, pull the fire alarm to alert everyone.
• Although we hope that this never happens, instruct your kids to cover any areas, such as door cracks, where smoke may enter if they are trapped.
• Wave a white-colored piece of fabric out the window to alert others for help.

Most Important of All…

• Call 911 immediately for the fire department. Just remember to have them call only when there is a real emergency.
• Teach your kids the most important rule if their clothing catches fire: stop, drop, and roll. This means drop to the ground, covering their face with their hands, and roll back and forth until the flames are out.

The Recovery Process

Although it may not be necessary to teach your children this step, it is essential to have your home or building restored as soon as possible. Therefore, as soon as the fire department has received your call, contact a professional fire damage restoration company immediately.  They are available 24/7 for emergency fire and smoke damage cleanup when you need them most. Just keep in mind that you will need to review these tips with your children at least every six months to ensure that everyone in the home is prepared for fire damage.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.