Childs Play “Kids and Fire Safety”…
An area that seems to be a continued focus for Fire Prevention Month is our children. This is why every year the Anchorage Fire Department, in partnership with the Anchorage School District and area preschools, makes its way in to classrooms across Anchorage to teach kids about fire safety. A simple one hour visit by firefighters cover topics such as Stop-Drop-and Roll, Exit Drills In The Home, Telling An Adult When You Find Matches, and Bicycle Safety just to name a few. One area that can not be stressed enough is Children and Matches. In 2007 there were 290 children killed in fires between the ages or 3-9 according to the National Fire Protection Association. They also state that in 2006 “Fire-Play” accounted for 14,500 fires in which there were 130 deaths, 810 injuries, and 328 million dollars in property damage. Kids are curious by nature and making sure they know the dangers of matches and lighters begins at home.
So it’s these short interactions that allow us to get through to as many children as possible as we try to prevent these statistics from being apart of our community. Even though we are unable to reach every child, it’s through these visits every October that the opportunity to educate them on fire safety has encouraged many to share with their families at home, exposing even more to these important tips.
Here are a couple of websites with more info and as always you are welcome to contact the Anchorage Fire Departments Fire Prevention Division for more info (267-4900):
US Fire Administration – For Kids
Finally, with Halloween just around the corner we felt the need to compile a short list of things to remember as we get closer to heading out and filling bags with treats from house to house:
- Purchase only costumes, wigs and props labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
- Provide children with lightweight flashlights to carry for lighting or as part of their costume and incorporate reflective striping.
- Use flashlights or battery-operated candles when illuminating Jack-o-lanterns. If you must use candles make sure when lighting candles inside Jack-O-Lanterns, use long, fireplace-style matches and be sure to place lit pumpkins well away from anything that can burn including doorsteps, walkways and yards.
- Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, ensuring nothing blocks escape routes. Instruct children to stay away from open flames or other heat sources. Be sure children know how to stop, drop and roll in the event their clothing catches fire. (Stop immediately, drop to the ground, covering your face with your hands, and roll over and over to extinguish flames.) Cool the burn.
- Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. They are much safer for trick-or-treaters, whose costumes may brush against the lighting.
