It’s important to talk through with children what to do if there’s a fire. Don’t avoid it for fear of frightening them.

Children need to know the basics of how to react to a fire. They may not have an adult to tell them what to do. In fact, if they react quickly and well they may end up saving your life. Here are the basic instructions

• If you see smoke or flames, raise the alarm. Tell a grown-up straight away if you can.
• Get out of the building as soon as possible.
• Find a phone and call 911. Give your address slowly and calmly. You may need to go to the neighbors to find a phone.
• Don’t go back into the building – not for toys or even pets. Fire fighters can search the house much more quickly than you can.
• If there’s smoke, crawl along the floor as the air is cleanest there.
• If your escape route is blocked, go into a room with a window, put things round the door to stop smoke getting in, open the window and call for help.
• Never hide in a cupboard or under a bed. You need to raise the alarm and get out.

Chimney Fire Safety

Home Heating Fires