A sound fire suppression system minimizes the risk and hazards of fires. However, it has to be complemented with proper education, especially with kids around. Most children are naturally curious about fires, which make them susceptible to harm if left unsupervised. It’s essential to educate them about its dangers and how they can protect themselves.

5 Tips for Educating Kids on Fire Safety

1. Point Out Escape Routes

One of the first things that children have to learn is how to get out of a building during a fire. This means identifying the fire exits and knowing where the escape ladders are located. Make sure that they can reach the windows and open these right away, even with security bars installed. Remind them that once they’re out of the burning building, they must never go back inside, no matter what happens or whoever is still inside.

2. Stop, Drop, & Roll

Most kids tend to remember catchy phrases, so have them memorize the ‘stop, drop, and roll’ drill in case their clothes catch fire. Show them how it’s done, then remind them to always stay calm instead of panicking and running to prevent further injuries. Teach them about fall and crawl—getting on their hands and crawling on the floor where there’s little to no smoke so they won’t choke.

3. Remember PASS

At a young age, familiarize your kids on fire suppression systems like extinguishers and sprinklers. Tell them when detectors and alarms are triggered, and how fires are put out. Also, teach them about properly using the fire extinguisher with the PASS acronym: P for pulling the pin, A for aiming low, S for squeezing the handle, and S for sweeping sideways.

4. Practice With Play

It’s not enough for children to remember acronyms and slogans—they also have to put everything they learned into action. Be sure to run a fire drill at least twice a year to see whether they can recall what to do in case of an emergency. You can even time them with a stopwatch to determine how fast they can get out of a hypothetically burning house with their eyes closed.

5. Emphasize the Dangers of Fire

Despite many warnings, kids tend to forget that fires are dangerous. Remind them that matches and lighters are not playthings, and they must always be used with care. Lead by example, and show them how it is done. Teach them what emergency numbers to call, and emphasize the importance of prioritizing their safety before anything else.

It’s never too early to teach your kids about fire safety. Protect them against the hazards by investing in quality fire suppression system from A-1 Fire Protection. Based in DeSoto County, MS, they are a full-service provider of fire protection products, such as ladders, range guards, and extinguishers, throughout the Mid-South region. Call (662) 895-2177 for a quote on fire suppression systems or visit their website.