3. Children Must Be Taught to Respect Fire Danger and Practice Fire Safety Behaviors
Key Messages
- Children have a natural curiosity about fire and the ability to strike matches or start a lighter.
- In 2006, there were approximately 8,500 residential fires caused by children playing with fire.
- Matches, lighters and other heat sources are the leading causes of fire-related deaths for children under age five.
- Sixty-three percent of those who die in fires started by children are children age five and under.
- Parents and teachers should practice and teach fire-safe behaviors to children and educate them about the dangers of fire, matches and other ignition sources.
- A variety of interactive Internet sites designed specifically for children can be used to help reinforce these messages.
- A variety of education programs, lesson plans and printable resources on fire and burn safety for elementary and preschool teachers are available on the Internet.
- Juvenile fire-setting intervention programs assist children who set fires and their families to prevent children from engaging in this destructive behavior.
Resources
Professional
- A Fact Sheet on Fire Safety for Babies and Toddlers - U.S. Fire Administration
- Children Playing with Fire - National Fire Protection Association
- Children Playing with Fire Fact Sheet - National Fire Protection Association
Public
Parents and Caregivers
- Fire and Burn Safety A Guide for Parents of Young Children - Safe Kids USA
- Curious Kids Set Fires: (A Fact Sheet for Teaching Children Fire Safety) - U.S. Fire Administration
- Juvenile Fire-Setting Programs - New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control
Children
- Sparky the Fire Dog Family Fun - National Fire Protection Association
- Fire Safety Kid's Room - New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control
- Create an escape plan. (Safe Kids Escape Fire Coloring Pages) - Safe Kids USA
- Let's Have Fun with Fire Safety: Marty and Jett's Activity Book - U.S. Fire Administration
- Color and Learn, Sesame Street Fire Safety Station - Federal Emergency Management Agency
