Washington, DC — As the new school year begins, the State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging educators and parents to prioritize fire safety education for children.
Statistics show that nearly 8% of fire-related fatalities involve children under the age of 10. To combat this, the office has issued a set of fire safety tips for children. Gregory Baruso, Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal, emphasized the importance of keeping matches and lighters out of children’s reach, educating them about the dangers of fire, the function of smoke alarms, and maintaining a safe distance from heat sources.
The office also advises discussing when to dial 9-1-1 and what information to provide in an emergency. For children in first grade and above, it’s crucial to demonstrate the “stop, drop, and roll” technique in case their clothing catches fire.
Understanding fire hazards and knowing how to respond in an emergency is essential for children’s safety. Baruso stressed that fire safety awareness and prevention are vital for everyone, and teaching children these aspects can save lives and protect families.
Here is the complete list of fire safety lessons recommended by the State Fire Marshal’s Office:
Instruct children not to play with fire-starting items such as matches, lighters, candles, and cooking equipment.
Create a three-foot “kid-free zone” around fire and safety hazards in the home, including the kitchen, fireplace, and space heaters.
Familiarize children with the sound of a smoke alarm and teach them to exit the building quickly and safely when they hear it.
Discuss when to call 911 and the information needed to provide in an emergency.
Practice a fire escape plan twice a year, ensuring at least two exit routes are available.
Teach children to go outside to a designated meeting spot and stay there if there is a fire.
Inform children that hiding during a fire is not safe.
Teach children to stay low and crawl to the nearest exit if there is smoke.
For children in first grade and above, demonstrate and explain the “stop, drop, and roll” technique and its importance if their clothes catch fire.