Fire safety

Children get into everything, grabbing anything they can reach.  Kitchens scream danger for small children. Make sure that pan handles are always turned to the side and take precautions to keep your child from opening the oven. Make sure your child knows not to touch matches or lighters.

Once your child is old enough to talk, take the time to read some stories about fire; talk about the consequences and what to do if they ever get burned.  Ask your child questions about fire and listen carefully so that you can determine what is understood  and what remains unclear.  It seems like the more you know about first aid the less you are inclined to do things that would result in you needing it.  In addition to books there are videos you can show your child to help make fire safety accessible.

Take the time to make a plan with your child that spells out what they should do in the event of the fire, and actually practice it with them until they feel comfortable.  Once your child is confident you can reduce the frequency of the fire drills.   Having a practiced plan can help your child stay safe when they might otherwise freeze up or hide in a place that isn't safe.

Take a field trip with your child to your local fire department.  Let them know that firefighters are a heroes that they should run to for help not monsters to run away from.  Firefighters fully dressed to fight fires look significantly different when they are just hanging out at the fire house.  Find out when your local fire department is having an open house so your child can see what firefighters look like without the scary emergency.

• Check to see if smoke detectors are installed on every level of the residence, and if they are maintained and tested regularly 
• Don’t overload outlets by using multiple plug extenders or extension cords  
• Use a certified, surge‐protected power strip and stick to recommended wattages 
• Never run electrical wires or extension cords under carpets or heavy items   
• Never tack up an extension cord with staples or pins 
• Make sure electrical cords are not worn or frayed 
• Never leave candles unattended and be sure to place them in a secure holder away from flammables and linens 
• Cook only where it is allowed, keeping the area clean 
• Do not leave cooking unattended  
• If a fire starts in a microwave, keep the door shut and pull the plug 
• Don’t smoke inside your room/apartment (especially in bed). Instead go outside and, when finished, make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished.   
•  Never toss hot cigarettes or ashes into a trash can   
• After parties with smokers, check inconspicuous places for cigarette butts (e.g., under cushions, garbage cans, kitchen sink, etc.) 
• Drink responsibly! There is a strong link between alcohol and fire deaths – not only can it impair your judgment, it can also hamper your ability to escape. 
• Make an escape plan, identifying at least two escape routes from your room if possible. Learn the building’s emergency exits and don’t ignore fire drills. Student apathy can be a major problem with quick and efficient evacuation. 
• If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to the exit 
• Before opening a door, feel it—if it’s hot, use the second way out 
• Use the stairs to escape a fire, never an elevator    
• If trapped, call the fire department and tell them where you are. Seal the door with rags and signal from the window. 
• Open windows slightly at the top and bottom, but shut them if smoke rushes in from any direction. 
• Never reenter a burning building 
• Once you are out and away from the building, call your family so that they know you are safe 

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