Fire Safety: What Families Should Know

Fire Safety: What Families Should Know

At Educational Playcare, Wellness is one of our Core Values because the health and safety of our families and staff are very important to us. That is why, in honor of Fire Prevention Week (October 4th – October 10th), we want to ensure our families know important safety tips regarding fire safety and prevention.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 300 people are killed and $280 million in property is damaged each year as a result of children playing with fire. That is why it is so important for families to talk to their children about fire safety and to ensure everyone is taking sensible precautions.

To begin with, all homes should have smoke alarms installed and tested on a regular basis to verify that they are working properly. According to studies, the majority of fires originate in the kitchen, and heating equipment is responsible for one out of every six home fires. When cooking, families should be careful of their surroundings, making sure there are no towels or paper towels too close to the stovetop burners. When using heating equipment, such as a space heater, keep it at least 3 feet away from flammable materials. Keep dangerous materials out of your child's reach, such as lighters, matches, and candles. Families are recommended to purchase flameless candles and use only lighters with child-resistant features.

Top tips regarding fire safety from the American Red Cross include:

1. Again, installing smoke alarms on every level of your home. They also suggest installing them in bedrooms and outdoor sleeping areas as well.
2. Test smoke alarms monthly and be sure to change the batteries as needed.
3. Talk with your family about an escape plan and be sure to practice it twice a year.
4. Teach your children about STOP, DROP, and ROLL.