Kids and Fire Don't Mix

CEBU, Philippines - March, the Fire Prevention Month, may be ending, but the threat still remains. Summer has yet a long way to go. So, sit down with your kids and teach them about fire - to explain to them how it starts and why it is dangerous. Children must be made to respect fire and learn precautionary measures to avoid fire-related accidents.

Because children are naturally curious, fire for them is often just play. Helping them understand that fire is hazardous and is not a plaything - that it could burn down a house and even take lives - will go a long way in making sure that your children steer clear of misadventures.

Do your children know basic facts about fire? Do they know what to do if a fire starts in your house?

Here are fire safety facts and tips that parents can do and teach their kids:

Be sure to keep lit candles or matches at least three feet away from flammable items such as clothes, newspapers, magazines, beddings, and curtains.

Never smoke in bed. Most fires start when cigarette ashes or butts accidentally fall into couches and chairs.

Supervise young children closely. Do not leave them alone even for short periods of time. Otherwise, the next thing you know they are already in their "secret" places playing with fire. Children need adult supervision, especially on the limits of what they can and cannot do, and on items they are to avoid playing with.

Teach your kids that matches, lighters, and candles are tools, not toys. If you suspect that a child is playing with fire, check under beds and in closets for telltale signs, like burned matches or papers.

Always keep matches and lighters in a secured drawer or cabinet. Store flammable materials such as gasoline, kerosene, and flammable cleaning supplies away from children's reach.

Teach children the nature of fire. "It is dangerous. It can injure everybody in the house." Explain to them why, but do not scold them the way you would grown-ups.

Home appliances such as television and computers should not be operated if they have frayed power cords. Electrical outlets should never be overloaded, too. Get assistance from professionals to replace or repair any appliances that spark, smell unusual, or overheat.

If you're not a trained electrician, be careful about do-it-yourself electrical projects. Studies have shown that many home fires are caused by improper installation of electrical devices.

Cover with plastic safety covers any electrical outlets that are not in use, especially if you have toddlers in your home.

Be careful in the kitchen. Food left unsupervised on a stove or in an oven, or a dish towel too close to the burner can spark a fire. When your children practice cooking, supervise them always.

Install smoke alarms on every level in your home. Familiarize your children with the sound of your smoke alarm.

Create a home fire escape plan. Practice it with your children, and designate a meeting place outside. Have back-up plans to follow when fires occur in unexpected areas of the house.

Designate two escape routes from each bedroom and practice them regularly.

Teach everyone the "Stop, Drop, and Roll" technique in case clothing catches fire. Show them how to crawl low on the floor, below the smoke, to get out of the house, and stay out in case of fire.

When there is fire, teach them to cover their mouths and noses with a moist towel or an article of clothing to keep out dangerous fumes while evacuating.

Make sure that windows in every room are easy to open and are not painted over or nailed shut.  Remember, these may be your only way out in a fire.

Never go back into a burning building once you are safely outside.

Teach children not to hide from firefighters, but to get out quickly and call help from another location.

Equip yourself with knowledge on first-aid, such as treating minor burns and scratches.

Explain these fire safety tips to your children in a non-threatening manner. The knowledge they gain may spell the difference between a safe home and a burned-down one. (FREEMAN)