​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 be upset.

Many things can cause burns. They’re very painful, disfiguring, and recovery can take a lifetime. We have some simple tips to help you and your children avoid getting burned.

​Fire Prevention Tips

• lock lighters, matches, or other flame-causing devices where children can’t reach them
• install smoke detectors on every level of the home and in all sleeping areas
• replace smoke detectors every 10 years
• 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
• turn the temperature down on the water heater below 120° or just below the medium setting
• test the water temperature in the bathtub before putting your child in it
• 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

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​Tips for Kids with Special Needs

​If your child has special needs, you may be interested in the following videos:

 Video Series for Families of Children with Special Needs About Safety in the Home – Series Overview

Burn Prevention for Families with Children with Special Needs

Fire Safety for Families with Children Who Are Visually or Hearing Impaired – Meet the Davis Family

Fire Safety for Families with Children Who Are Immobile – Meet the Gomez Family

Fire Safety for Families with Children with Cognitive Impairments – Meet the Jones Family