Fire safety is critical for the well-being of all. It is essential to teach children about fire safety, so they are aware of the dangers and measures they can take to decrease the risk of harm.
Government statistics have revealed that in the year ending March 2022, 152,608 fires were present nationwide. Of those fires, there were 272 fire-related fatalities, a 14.77% increase compared to 237 fatalities in the previous year.
It is important to be aware of fire safety in our homes, to protect our families and ensure the safety of children in the event of a fire.
A creative approach is required to help young children understand the dangers of fire, whilst making fire safety education fun.
A children’s fire safety crossword can help with becoming familiar with and identifying keywords associated with fire safety. Some crosswords are formatted in a way which gets the child thinking of an answer to a question before searching for the answer in the puzzle – an educational yet engaging way to increase awareness.
In 2004, the Home Office published Frances The Firefly, a book containing a children’s story about the dangers of fire. Targeted towards 3-7-year-olds, the book follows a family of fireflies when one firefly comes into contact with a box of matches. Uneducated on the risks, the firefly lights the match and tries to fly but gets hurts by the flame. This causes a multitude of further problems and the firefly is then educated about fire safety.
Aico’s Fire Safety Worksheet details fire safety tips and problem-solving activities such as spotting fire hazards and electric hazards. These activities can be coloured in at the child’s own creativity.
Various other children’s fire safety books and activities can be found online.
Parents and child carers should explain and show their children the plans for a home evacuation, should a fire break out in the home. Families are encouraged to practice the evacuation on occasion to ensure the process stays fresh in their minds. This can easily be made into a fun activity to retain engagement with children.
A home fire evacuation plan must include an escape route which is kept clear of obstructions, and a secondary escape route in case the first is blocked. The best route is usually the normal way in and out of the home. The plan should not include any means of escape which would put an individual in more danger, potentially increasing the risk of being caught in a fire. A safe assembly point outside of and at a safe distance from your house should also be established.
When making a plan for members of the family who are disabled with sight, hearing or mobility issues, the appropriate measures should be taken to account to suit their individual needs. Read more about fire safety for disabled residents.
When it comes to home life safety products, it is essential to have trust in the home’s devices to appropriately alert everyone in the house when a fire is present. Aico’s 3000 Series provides full property coverage from one range, consisting of both single and multi-sensor smoke alarms. These mains-powered devices contain a 10-year rechargeable lithium battery backup which is used in the result of a mains power loss, meaning continuous coverage even with restricted power. By wirelessly interlinking these alarms with Ei3000MRF modules, when one alarm sounds, they all sound.
There are various things to be mindful of and remember to reduce the risk of a fire in the household.
Children should be aware of fire safety and risks just as much as adults. The more awareness the whole household has on how to prevent a fire and the procedures during a home evacuation, the less risk there is for there to be a casualty as a result.
Information and advice about home life safety and the siting, testing and replacing of Aico alarms can be found in the article section of the website.
