Home Fire Safety: Kids Edition

Most home fires are avoidable and professional smoke detector maintenance is a crucial element in protecting your home and your family. But there is more we can do at home too, and it should start with our kids.

Children are curious creatures, they love exploring and discovering new things. But they also don’t always know the difference between a toy and a tool and often don’t understand that a small flame can quickly grow into a serious fire. A recent fire in a two-story Port Melbourne home, caused by a child playing with matches in his bedroom, highlights the need to ensure our children are well educated in this regard.

So, what can you do to provide your kids with an appropriate understanding of home fire safety and prevent potential damage and injuries? Here are our top 10 tips, as recommended by fire authorities.

Detector Inspector works to ensure the safety of your home and family through annual smoke alarm safety services, but you have an important role to play too. Educate your children today and prevent a potentially devastating home fire.

Children commonly imitate adult behaviour. Set good examples in the home with regard to the use of heaters, matches, lighters and so on.
Don’t try to educate through scare tactics. Be calm and reasonable in your approach to fire education. Understand that should a child receive a minor burn, it may not reduce their interest in fire.
Teach kids that fire is a ‘tool’ and not a ‘toy’.
Be aware that younger children may play with fire in their bedroom and keep an eye out for signs of this such as burns to clothing or blankets, or lighters in your child’s pockets.
Keep any matches and lighters secure and out of reach of children.
Teach children to tell an adult if they find a lighter or matches in the house.
Teach older children how to use matches and fire safely.
Supervise children in the kitchen and keep them away from the stove top and oven.
Be sure your children know what the smoke alarm is, how it works and what to do if it is in alarm. Discuss and practice your escape plan with your family.
Teach children critical fire survival skills such as “Get Down Low and Go, Go, go!” and “Stop, Drop and Roll”.