Talking to your kids about fire safety and prevention should start at an early age and continue throughout their childhood to ensure that they do not forget this important skill if they would ever be involved in a fire emergency. Children who have been taught about hazards that occur in houses, how to prevent them and how to deal with them if they occur are less likely to find themselves in compromising situations, and when trouble arises, they are more likely to come out unharmed. They are more likely to stay calm and able to escape a fire emergency. Here are some activities to teach your children about fire safety and what they should do in the event of a fire. 

Go outside and stay outside the house

Be sure to teach your children that when a fire starts, despite how small it may appear, they should exit the house and remain there until advised otherwise by an adult. Make them understand that pets and dolls can be replaced but their lives cannot and that adults can find their way out of a fire or ask for help. Ensure they understand that once they are out of a burning house, they should never try to go back inside. Set up and practice a fire escape plan for your house. 

Stop, drop and roll

This phrase has been repeated to children for many years. It is essential that you reinforce and practice this.  Therefore, it is up to you to make it fun and serious at the same time. One fun way to practice this is to cut a piece of construction paper into small pieces and stick them together with tape. Use double stick tape on both sides of the paper and stick it onto your kids’ clothes leaving one of the tapes facing outside. Instruct the children to stop, drop and roll until the paper pieces come off their clothing. This should be a fun activity and one they will remember.

Finding a way to leave

In a house full of smoke, it is easy for children to panic and get scared to find a way out. Thus, it is crucial to teach them how to find a way out even when they cannot see. The best activity to practice  this is by setting up obstacles for your children and let them navigate when blindfolded. Explain that the obstacles represent blocked areas due to fire and they need to find an alternative route.  Remind them that they should stay low to the ground and check for hotspots before opening any doors. 

Assembly point

A fire assembly point is a point where all family members should meet outside in the event of a fire. It should be marked, easy to find and as far away from the main house as possible. Train your children to run to the assembly point and wait until all adults arrive for further instructions. 

Every child needs to be educated about fire safety and prevention. The best way to prevent fires and their losses at home is by teaching children about how fire occurs, why fire is dangerous and how to respond in case of a fire emergency. Children respond better when they are given reasons about why something is wrong and are engaged in activities that show them how to deal with an emergency. Sit down with your kids and engage them in a conversation about fire safety and prevention that requires their active participation.