Fire Safety For Kids
Learn, Practice, and Stay Safe!
What Is Fire Safety?
Fire safety means knowing how to prevent fires and what to do if one happens. Fires can spread quickly, but by learning smart safety tips, you can stay calm and safe. Fire safety is important for everyone, and that includes kids! Learning about fire safety can help you stay safe and keep others safe too. Whether you’re at home, school, or out and about, knowing what to do in case of a fire can make all the difference.
Let’s get started with some simple tips and steps you can remember!
- Know the Sounds of Fire Safety
“When you hear a beep, get on your feet!”
Smoke alarms save lives! If you ever hear a smoke alarm or see smoke, don’t panic. Here’s what you should do:
- Stop what you’re doing and get out of the building right away.
- Follow the escape plan. Every house should have an escape plan with a meeting spot outside.
- Don’t hide or go back inside. Once you’re out, stay out! Personal belongings, no matter how special, are not worth risking your life to save in the event of a fire.
- Stay low in smoke. Smoke rises, so if there’s smoke in the air, crawl on your hands and knees to stay safe.
Maintain Your Smoke Alarm
- Test the alarm: Ask an adult to test your smoke alarm regularly (every month is a good rule).
- Change the batteries: Help change the batteries at least once a year, or if it starts beeping.
- Know what the alarm sounds like: When you hear the loud beeping sound, it’s time to get out of the house immediately.
- Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan
Does your family have an escape plan? Every family or household should have one!
- Draw a map: With the help of an adult, draw a map of your home showing all the exits and a meeting spot outside.
- Practice your escape: Do a drill with your family so everyone knows what to do if there’s ever a fire.
- Know 2 ways out: In case one way is blocked by fire or smoke, you should know another way out of each room. For example, if your door is blocked, you could exit out of a window.
- Fire Safety Rules for Kids
Keep yourself safe with these easy rules and always ask a grown-up if you’re not sure about something!
- Do not play with lighters or matches.
- Keep children away from electrical outlets and teach them the hazards of electricity.
- Space heaters should operate in a 3-foot circle clear of other flammable objects.
- A clean bedroom can allow for safe and quick egress in an emergency. It also allows firefighters to better search a bedroom for potential victims.
- Fun Ways to Learn Fire Safety
See below for downloadable fire safety activities for your kids!
- Coloring and activity books about fire safety
- Educational video games or tablet applications
- Educational fire safety videos
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/lets_have_fun_with_fire_safety.pdf
- Meet Your Firefighters!
Don’t be afraid, firefighters are your friends! Come visit during our Open House or Fire Safety Week.
Remember: Fire Safety Starts with YOU!
Fire safety isn’t just for grown-ups—it’s for everyone! By learning about fire safety early, you’re not only keeping yourself safe, but you’re also helping others stay safe too. Always remember to follow the rules and tell an adult if you have any questions.