Kids and Fires
 Our goal in this section is to provide answers to commonly asked questions and tell you how we can help.

Children are naturally curious about matches, small lighters and large barbecue butane lighters also known as utility lighters or torches.  Children also use the burners on hot water heaters, stoves, barbecue grills and gas fire places to light items (usually candles) when they experiment with fire.

 Many children and adults alike refer to this as "playing" with fire but the word "playing" usually refers to a positive and fun experience with items intended for use by children. Since fire and fire tools do not fit that description, it is confusing to children to use the word "playing" as a descriptive.

The term "Fire setter" is a term that makes a parent's stomachs go into knots.  However, it is actually a clinical term used by fire, school, law enforcement and medical personnel to describe a child who misuses fire.   A responsible parent will talk with their child about the dangers and uses of fire setting tools.   In addition, parents should discuss what to do if a fire is started.   Involved the entire family in the discussion and create a family escape plan.  
   
Creating a Fire Plan - An Activity for Older Children
For this activity you will need:
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Five colors of pen, pencil or crayon
  • One piece of paper per floor-graph paper works best

On one piece of paper draw an outline of the floor plan on the first floor of your house. Be sure to include all windows and doors. You do not need to include furniture. The example below should help.

Choose one color and mark the location of all smoke detectors. Note this on the legend like this:  *=Smoke Detectors

Repeat that step using different colors for fire extinguishers and flashlights.

Use the fourth color to mark the first exit out of every room. Use the fifth color to mark the second exit out of every room.

Write on the paper in large easy to read letters:  THE MEETING PLACE IS...

Go back to the beginning and repeat this for every floor of your house.

Call a family meeting.  Review the plan. Walk through the house and test doors, windows, etc. to be sure they are in good operational order in case they are needed. Point out safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and flashlights so that everyone is aware of their location.

Make any necessary adjustments to the plan as a result of your family meeting. All family members should be aware of any adjustments or changes to the fire plan.

Hold a fire drill. Time yourselves. Have a meeting afterward to discuss what went right, what went wrong and what may need to be adjusted. Continue to have fire drills throughout the year. We suggest that you have one sometime during the week every time a family member has a birthday.

Post your escape plan drawings on the refrigerator, bulletin board or some other place where everyone in the family can see them and be reminded of it.

Also, in addition to a fire plan every family should have a disaster kit.