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Children and fire don’t mix

  • Published
  • By 375th Civil Engineer Fire Department
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The National Fire Protection Association cites children playing with fire causes hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries each year. Preschoolers are the most likely to start fires among children, typically by playing with matches and lighters. The leading cause of fatal home fires are children igniting bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture or clothing with matches or lighters. Children also start fires by playing with candles, fireworks, stoves and cigarettes.

Below are some safety tips to practice.
· Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, up high, preferably in a locked cabinet.
· Never use lighters or matches as a source of amusement for children.
· Use only lighters designed with child-resistant features and remember child-resistant does not mean child proof.
· Teach young children to tell an adult if they see matches or lighters, and teach school-age children to bring any matches or lighters to an adult.
· Never leave matches or lighters in a bedroom or any place where children may go without supervision.
· Do not leave unsupervised children alone with lit candles.
· If your child expresses curiosity about fire or has been playing with fire, calmly but firmly explain that matches and lighters are for adults only.
· If you suspect your child has intentionally set a fire or is unduly fascinated with fire, get help by contacting a local fire department, school or community counseling agency can put you in touch with trained experts.
For more information, contact the Fire Prevention office at 256-3378.