Teaching Children about Fire Safety

Ensuring the safety of our children is a top priority for every parent, and educating them about fire safety is a crucial component of home safety. Children, especially those under five, are at a higher risk during home fires, being twice as likely as others to suffer fatalities in such incidents. By instilling fire safety knowledge early on, we can significantly reduce these risks and empower our children to respond appropriately in emergencies.​ The American Red Cross has a number of helpful resources.  Here are some overall tips and guidelines as well:

Prevent Fire Play

Fires often start when children play with lighters or matches. These simple tips help keep everyone safe:

• Store Items Safely: Keep matches and lighters locked up or out of reach.

• Talk About Fire: Explain fire’s dangers and set clear household rules.

• Model Good Behavior: Always handle fire with care. Kids are watching and learning.

Recognize the Sound of Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are lifesaving tools. Children should know how they sound and what to do when they go off.

• Test It Together: Let them hear the alarm during routine tests.

• Practice Evacuation: When it sounds, leave quickly and meet outside.

• Test Monthly: Include children in your alarm checks and drills.

Create and Practice Escape Plans

A practiced escape plan helps everyone respond faster during an emergency.

• Draw a Map: Show two ways out of every room—usually a door and a window.

• Choose a Meeting Spot: Pick a landmark like the mailbox or a neighbor’s tree.

• Do Fire Drills: Practice every few months, including at night.

Teach Kids What to Do in a Fire

Simple, clear instructions help kids act fast and stay calm.

• Stop, Drop, and Roll: If clothes catch fire, stop, drop, cover your face, and roll.

• Crawl Low: Smoke rises. Teach them to crawl to cleaner air.

• Feel Doors First: If a doorknob or door feels hot, use another exit.

• Don’t hide: Getting out is the goal. Never hide under a bed or in a closet.

Other Key Safety Tips

• Close Doors at Night: Closed doors slow fire and smoke, buying precious time.

• Visit a Fire Station: Meeting firefighters helps kids stay calm in real emergencies.

• Know 9-1-1: Teach when to call, and that calling comes after safely escaping.

We Can Help

Fire safety isn’t one conversation. Repeat lessons. Practice drills. Keep it simple.

Prepared children are safer children. Practice, planning, and awareness go a long way toward protecting your family at home. Cultris Security can help Houston families be alerted to fires dispatch the fire department with a monitored fire alarm. Call us at 281-506-8466 or visit us online for more information.