Due to their natural curiosity, children may unknowingly put themselves at risk by playing with matches and lighters. Unfortunately, this curiosity leads to hundreds of deaths and injuries every year. Adults have to be aware of these dangers and teach children that fire is a tool, not a toy. Below you can find important tips on how to protect children from fire:
- Make a fire escape plan for the whole family, and teach them what to do in case of a fire. More information about disaster preparedness for children is available here.
- Teach children that playing with fire is very dangerous and to tell an adult if they see lighters, matches, or any unsupervised fires.
- Keep lighters and matches out of children’s sight and where they can’t reach them, such as on a top shelf, container, or locked cabinet. Only use lighters with child safety features.
- Children often imitate what others are doing, so try to avoid using matches or lighters in front of them.
- Never tell a child to use lighters or matches for various tasks, such as lighting a candle or a fireplace.
- Make sure to place burning candles out of the reach of children, so they can’t knock them over.
- Never allow children near the stove when cooking. Keep pot handles on the stove away from children’s reach.
- Protect children from hot liquids, especially during winter, to avoid scalds and other injuries.
- Make sure children don’t touch operating space heaters or put anything on them to avoid scalds and potential fires.
- Teach children who are old enough how to use a fire extinguisher in case of a fire.
Additional information about fire safety can be found here. For professional fire, water, and mold restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office.
