Globally, more than 400 children younger than the age of 10 die from fire-related accidents every year. Teaching children the importance of fire safety and educating them on measures they can take in the event of a fire outbreak is very important. It will grant them the confidence to make proper choices and respond in the most effective manner when faced with fire-related incidents.
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While equipping them with the cognisance required to react appropriately, it is also important to balance out their knowledge with some key preventive measures. The most important part of fire safety is prevention; avoiding a mishap before it occurs. Parents should always keep flammable materials away from the reach of children. Items like candles, fireworks, matches and lighters should be kept in places where children do not have access to them.

If your child has special needs for a fire to complete an assignment or school project, he should only be granted access under strict supervision by a parent or guardian. Many children love to assist their parents with preparing meals in the kitchen. When doing so, they should be placed at a safe distance from gas cookers and stoves while cooking. A fire extinguisher should always be on standby, and placed in a location that is open to everyone. Also, your child should be taught how to properly operate and safely disconnect electrical appliances. Primary precautionary tips like these should be regularly emphasised to children, while explaining their importance in detail. It will help them develop a good understanding of fire safety.

Teaching your child how to react in the event of fire outbreaks and emergencies is also a crucial piece in the fire safety jigsaw. It is the common instinct of many children to resort to panic. But parents can reorient their mindsets to focus on better ways to handle these situations. Your child should learn the important emergency contacts. Since 2014, 112 has been Nigeria’s toll-free emergency number for prompt response to emergencies. When in close proximity to a mobile device at the time of an emergency, their first instinct should be to seek for help, and they can get apt responses by reaching out to these sources.

Teach your child to flee for safety, through an emergency exit, if available, rather than hide in the event of a fire outbreak. This is an important aspect of fire safety education, as it boosts their chances of surviving a life-threatening situation. It reduces the risk of being trapped inside a collapsing building, and dampens the chances of sustaining serious injuries and burns. Very importantly, it will also lower their exposure to the toxic smoke caused by the fire, as smoke inhalation may sometimes lead to greater health issues than the fire itself.

The core of fire safety education for children is teaching them how to act smartly with courage and wisdom, and take decisive actions that will boost their chances of survival. It is also important to create a fire emergency routine, and revisit it regularly with your child.
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