The statistics can be scary.  According to the United States Fire Administration, children account for 20% of all fire-related deaths every year.  But it doesn’t stop there.  Every year, children start over 100,000 fires – 20,000 of which occur in homes.

 

And then we need to consider our loyal, feathered and furry friends.  Unable to open doors for themselves or call out for help, pets are vulnerable to fire-related injury or death.  Keeping the smaller members of your family safe requires a little organization and planning.  Use these tips to help prevent any fire-related incidents with your children and pets.

 

Education

A child as young as two years old can strike a match and start a fire.  Talk to your kids about the dangers of starting fires and try to keep matches, lighters, and candles out of children’s reach.  The two main reasons most children start fires is by accident or out of simple curiosity.  Never leave children unattended around food that is cooking on the stovetop or fireplaces, heaters, and radiators.  Teach your children not to play with matches, lighters, or candles, and to ask an adult for help with electrical sockets.  Stressing the dangers of fire to your children is the first step in preventing fire in your home.

 

Fire Escape Plan

Include your children when talking about your family’s fire escape plan.  Practice your escape plan on a regular basis with your children and show them several different routes out of the house.  Decide on a safe meeting place outside of your home and quiz your kids on the location.  Making sure that children are a part of the fire escape dialogue and fully informed will help keep them safe.

 

And don’t forget Fido!  Take your pet along while rehearsing your escape plans.  Cats, birds, and other small animals may want to skip the practice run, but be sure that your escape plan includes them, too.

 

Fire Safety Drills

Discussing fire safety is a good start, but it isn’t enough.  As soon as your children are old enough to understand the dangers of fire, teach them fire drill techniques.  Once they know your fire escape plan, practice it with them repeatedly.  Set off your fire alarms so that your children can recognize the sound and act appropriately.  Show them how to crawl on the floor to avoid inhaling smoke.  Firemen in masks and gear can look scary to children – teach them not to hide from firemen by showing them pictures and explaining that firemen are there to help them.

 

Window Stickers

Many fire safety groups offer window stickers and decals that can alert fire departments to any children or pets that are in your home.  Place pet decals on a visible, first floor window that state the kind and number of pets in your home.  All children should have a decal on their bedroom windows.

 

More Tips for Pets

Fire experts cite that dog kennels are the number one reason many dogs die in fires.  If your dog is kenneled, be sure to allow for that in your fire escape plan.  Consider installing a doggie door so that your pet can exit the house safely on its own in the event of a fire.

 

And while smoke alarms are the best type of fire alert system, sometimes it pays to listen to your pet.  Dogs have an excellent sense of smell and can often detect smoke before a fire alarm can.  If your dog starts to act strange, investigate the situation right away and be prepared to evacuate your family.