- Knowledgebase: Child Safety, Injury Prevention and Treatment
- Questions about child safety and injury prevention, as well as treatment for minor injuries.
- 20. Protect your child from fire - Top
- House fires are one of the leading causes of death among children 14 years old and younger.
Children from 1 to 4 years old are most at risk.
Careless use of smoking materials is the major cause of house fires and fire fatalities. Many house fires are started by smokers who are drinking and become drowsy or careless. Always dispose of smoking materials properly - not in a wastebasket. Never smoke in bed or when you are drowsy.Install smoke detectors on every level in your home and check their alarms once a month. Change the batteries at least twice a year - when you change the time on your clocks.
To protect homes from fire, space heaters, electrical wiring and fireplaces must be used properly.
Place a space heater at least 2 feet from a wall and 3 feet from any combustible surface (such as curtains or blankets). Many cities do not allow portable space heaters that burn solid, liquid or gaseous fuels because of the risk of poisoning or suffocation.
Check cords on electric heaters before and during the heating season. If the cord is frayed or splitting, or gets hot, have a qualified appliance repair person replace it at once. Do not use extension cords with electric heaters. Keep space heaters out of the reach of children or pets. Do not leave space heaters unattended and do not leave a space heater on when you go to sleep.
Have your fireplace chimney professionally inspected and cleaned, if necessary, at least once a year to remove soot and flammable creosote. A clear chimney will prevent a buildup of dangerous carbon monoxide gas in the home. Always use a screen on your fireplace. Only burn materials designed for a fireplace - never use gasoline, charcoal or charcoal lighter to start an indoor fire. Put ashes in metal containers and remove them from inside the house.
Avoid using candles in decorations or displays. They are easily forgotten as they burn. Always place candles in candlesticks before lighting them. Keep lit candles away from combustible materials, such as curtains. Never leave candles in the reach of small children.
Check cords and wires in the house to avoid electrical fires. Don't overload outlets.
Other fire safety tips include:
Children playing with matches, lighters or other ignition sources are responsible for about 10 percent of home fire deaths. Watch children and keep matches and lighters out of their reach. Teach children to stay away from candles, fireplaces, space heaters and fireworks. Never leave children under the age of 11 alone in the home, even for a minute.
Devise an escape plan for your family in case of fire. Identify two exits from each room. Teach children to drop to the floor and crawl to the nearest exit if they smell smoke or see flames. Teach children to stop, drop and roll if clothes catch on fire.
Make sure your central heating equipment and any space heaters are properly installed and maintained. Have your furnace inspected before each heating season by a qualified professional, and clean and/or replace the filter (depends on type of furnace).
Keep fire extinguishers in your home and discuss their correct use with your family. An extinguisher must fit the fire. Some are designed to handle burning wood, paper, cloth and plastics. Other extinguishers are designed for flammable liquids or electrical equipment. Place extinguishers where the risk of fire is greatest, including the kitchen and near the clothes dryer. Never try to put out
Make certain baby sitters know escape routes and extinguisher locations.
Avoid piling up trash, which may cause fire by spontaneous combustion.
Never leave cooking unattended. Turn pot/pan handles away from the front of the stove. This will help prevent fires and scalding injuries.
Store flammable items in their original containers, away from heat, sparks and flame. Never store gasoline inside the home. Store all flammable items safely away from children.
Be sure pajamas for children up to 12 years are labeled as fire-retardant.
Display emergency fire department numbers, or 911, near the telephone.
Make certain the home of your child's babysitter also is protected from fire.
If you have any questions about the proper use of smoke detectors or ways to prevent fires in your home, call your local fire department.
- Updated: June 11, 2001
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