In addition to Halloween and the start of fall festivities, October is also Fire Safety Month. The goal of Fire Safety Month is to spread awareness about fire hazards, fire prevention and safety practices to protect homes and families. In this Tiny Topics column, we will review some Fire Safety facts and discuss a few fire safety practices to keep kids and families safe.
The Burn Institute reports that young children are the most frequent burn victims, with over 60% of all burns to young children being scalds. In fact, the second leading cause of death in young children is burn injury.
It is also reported that 25% of all fires are started by children playing with matches. Additionally, 85% of all burns are said to occur in the home, with the greatest number of burns happening in the kitchen.
Here is what adults can do to keep children and themselves safe from fire:
Fire prevention is the first line of defense in fire safety. Children should understand that matches and lighters are tools for adults, not toys for children. Adults are encouraged to have conversations with children about never touching or using matches without an adult, as well as keeping matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
With scalds being the primary type of burn to young children, it is important to learn about scald risk. According to the Burn Institute, the main causes of scalds include cooking accidents, hot beverages or food, and hot bath water. To prevent scalds in the kitchen, use cautious cooking practices by creating a 3-foot kids-free zone around the stove. Adults can also use the back burners on the stovetop and turn handles inward so children are less likely to grab them.
When using the microwave, adults and older children should allow the food to cool before touching the dishes. Remember to use potholders when transferring hot food and drinks as well. Adults should know children’s reach capability and consider drinking hot liquids in a travel coffee mug with a lid when a child is present in addition to keeping all food and beverages at the center of the table. Lastly, adults are advised to set their water heaters to 120 degrees or lower to avoid scalds in young children during baths or handwashing.
Even with the best fire preventive measures, fires can still happen. Children should be taught to “stop, drop and roll” if their clothes are on fire. (Yes, this old phrase is still an important fire safety technique!) In the event of a burn, use only cool water – not cold – and cover the burn with a sterile dressing until you can get medical attention.
Adults should also ensure that each sleeping area of their home has a smoke alarm that is tested monthly to keep homes fire safe. Some local fire departments and American Red Cross sites offer home fire safety visits that include a free smoke alarm installation. These locations are also usually willing to check smoke alarms for senior citizens. Specially designed smoke detectors are available for individuals with hearing impairments as well.
Develop a family escape plan – and then practice that plan with children. Having a family escape plan that children are familiar with can reduce confusion and panic during a fire emergency and help family members know exactly what they should do and where to go to get to safety. Be sure to create a plan that allows all family members to escape within 2 minutes, have two different escape routes to the designated meeting place. Family members should also remember to stay “low” to the ground while evacuating the home and, as difficult as it may be, to leave pets behind.
A useful tool in developing a plan is the MySafeLa.org Family Escape Plan Tool, which can be found at MySafeLA.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Family_Escape_Plan1.pdf.
A useful and fun tool to educate children about fire safety is the Burn Institute’s free, downloadable Fire Safe Kids Activity Book for children aged 5 to 8 years old and its Fire Safe Kids 2 Activity Book for children from 9 to 12 years old.
Adults with children between the ages of 5 and 18 years old who engage in dangerous fire setting activities can find support from the Youth Fire Setter Intervention Program. This program provides positive intervention for youth using evidence-based risk assessment tools to intervene and redirect.
For adults who would like additional information about Fire Safety in the home, during holidays, travel, and outdoors can find additional resources at FireSafeKid.org.
This fun, festive month of October is the perfect time of the year to learn, practice and teach others about fire safety and prevention!
Kayli Coleman is an educator with the St. Tammany Health System Parenting Center, which since 1987 has worked to promote confidence and competence in parents, encourage optimal development for their children, and enhance the well-being of local families as a whole. Learn more about the Parenting Center’s programs at StTammany.health/ParentingCenter.