Fires

Fires

  • Protect your home by having properly working smoke detectors throughout your house. Replace the batteries each spring and fall. If you have hardwired smoke detectors, check them twice a year.
  • Have one working fire extinguisher for every level of your home.
  • Have a fire escape plan and practice with your child. Teach your child how to use 911.
  • Have a designated place to meet in the neighborhood if you have to leave your house. Practice this with your child.
  • Teach your child not to play with matches, lighters or gas stoves. Tell your child about the dangers of fire.
  • Call your local fire station to see if you can take your child there for a field trip.
  • If you smoke, keep the tobacco products, matches and lighters out of your child's sight.
  • Teach your child what to do if their clothing catches fire: stop, drop and roll.

Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers may earn you a discount on your homeowner's insurance.

Source: Allina Health's Patient Education, Guide for the Care of Children: Ages Birth to 5, sixth edition, ped-ah-91554
First Published: 02/01/2010
Last Reviewed: 11/16/2022