Fire safety lessons for young children

Children sometimes need help getting out of a burning house, and they may not know how to escape or what to do unless an adult shows them. A home fire can leave less than 2 minutes to get out once the smoke alarm sounds. Thick, black smoke can fill a home in minutes and make it hard to see even brightly lit objects. In 2020, children 14 and under had a 70% lower risk of dying in a fire than the general population.

The lessons

• Fires burn fast and hot, and smoke makes a room very dark
• Know 2 ways out of every room and 2 ways out of the houseUse the second if the first is blocked or dangerous.
• Feel a door before opening itIf it's hot, use the other way out.
• Stay low and get to the exitDo it when you smell or see smoke, or when the smoke alarm sounds.
• Go to the meeting place outsideStay outside, and never go back in for anything.
• Never touch matches, lighters or candlesIf you find matches or a lighter, tell an adult.
• Put a burn under cool water for 3 to 5 minutesThen tell an adult right away.

Practicing

• Choose a meeting place outside the homeHelp the children practice going there.
• Teach them what to do if the alarm sounds and no adult is around
• Show them both ways out of their own room

What adults do

• Plan for children who can't get out on their ownBabies and very young children need to be woken and helped out. Decide who helps each child.
• Keep children 3 feet from anything that gets hotStoves, space heaters and stovetops can cause terrible burns.
• Lock up smoking materials in a high placeNever leave lighters or matches where children can reach them.
• Don't play with lighters or matches in front of childrenChildren may try to do what they see adults do.

For the household plan, see How to make a home fire escape plan and practice it.