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GUEST BLOG: How Can I Make My Child Aware Of What To Do In A Fire Without Scaring Them?

 

 

Teaching your child about fire safety can help ensure that they are not injured if a fire ever breaks out in your home. While fire safety is important, you do not want to frighten your children. If you present a child with accurate but age inappropriate information about fire dangers, they could suffer from nightmares or panic attacks. Parents should consider their child’s mental and emotional maturity before they decide to begin teaching them about what to do in the event of a fire.
Teach Your Children How To Place An Emergency Call

Teach your children to dial 999 if there is ever an emergency. Even children as young as two can learn how to dial a phone. Of course, you will need to explain what constitutes a legitimate emergency. Children should be taught that it is wrong to call 999 unless there is a genuine emergency situation because they will be distracting rescue workers from their jobs.

Have Fire Drills At Home

Once your child is a little older, you can start having fire drills at home. To have a fire drill, set off the smoke alarm, and have the child calmly and quietly leave the house. Emphasize that they should leave all their toys and belongings behind. Your family should also designate a meeting space a short distance away from your home. Although you might think that a fire alarm would certainly rouse your child from their sleep, many children can sleep through the noise. However, you can train a child to wake up at the sound of a fire alarm. One night, when your child is asleep, set off the smoke detector. If your child fails to wake, gently rouse them, telling them that the smoke detector is going off and the family needs to leave the house. If you stay calm and let them know that you are just practicing, your child should not panic. You may have to repeat this exercise a few times before your child wakes up independently when the smoke alarm sounds.

Take Your Child To Visit A Fire Station

There have been tragedies that have occurred during house fires when young children hide from the fire fighters who have come to rescue them. A fire fighter, with their breathing gear, tools, and protective suit, can be a terrifying sight to an already frightened child. You can help your children feel at ease around fight fighters if you pay a visit to a fire station. Of course, you will want to call the non-emergency line at the station and make arrangements in advance. If possible, arrange for a fire fighter to show your child the equipment and attire used during emergencies.

Look For Community Programs

Although there are plenty of steps you can take as a parent to educate your children about fire safety, there are also community programs that educate children about what to do in emergencies. You can contact your local fire station and ask if they will be hosting any educational events for your community.

Prevention

The very best way to protect your child from the trauma of a fire is prevention, adults in the home should ensure they have working fire alarms in their home and have all flammables out of reach from children and be aware of any part of their home which could create a home fire. Anything from an electrical fire, kitchen or clutter filled area could create the starting point of a fire so ensuring these situations are controlled and managed properly will help to keep your family safe from fire.

Author bio:

Martha is an expert in home and business security and pays particular attention to fire safety and prevention. She is currently studying at risk assessment at university so that she can further her knowledge in this field. For more information on fire safety including discount fire supplies fire alarms and other fire safety equipment for your home or work, please visit Discount Fire Supplies.


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Date: August 29, 2012

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Comments RSS TrackBack 2 comments

  • Child Safety

    in September 3rd, 2012 @ 03:04

    Great things you are doing..
    teaching parents to teach their child about safety. This is one of the most important thing that child should learn.

  • Terry League

    in September 5th, 2012 @ 17:49

    Great information! Visiting the fire station is such a helpful tip. When my kids were younger, they were afraid of firemen in their gear. The trip to the station really helped in easing those fears.