Fire Prevention
Kitchen fires account for 30% of all fires in the home — it's the most frequent type of house fire. Installing a smoke detector reduces your chances of dying in a household fire by half. Escape plans can help you and your family leave the house in the event of a fire when time is of the essence and children may not be thinking rationally.
- never leave lighters, matches, or other flame-causing devices where children may reach them
- install smoke detectors on every level of the home and in all sleeping areas
- test smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries yearly
- keep papers, magazine, curtains, and other flammable items away from heaters and fireplaces
- keep flammable items away from the water heater
- don't smoke in bed
- practice fire drills and teach children to crawl low, under smoke
- feel doors before opening them; if they feel hot, don't open them and find another way out
- remind children not to go back in for a favorite toy or lovey — smoke or fire means "GET OUT!"
- take a tour of a local fire station so your child can see what a firefighter in full gear looks like
- call 911 after leaving the house
- read through the National Fire Protection Association "Sleepover Checklist" before letting your child sleep at someone else's house
