Smoke Detectors

• Children should know what the smoke detector sounds like. They should know that if it goes off, they are to leave the home according to a specified route.
  
  

Safety

• Children also need to know basic safety rules. They should not touch pans on the stove, play with matches or put anything into an electrical outlet. Many people do not allow children in the kitchen when food is being cooked.
  
  

Stop, Drop and Roll

• Children enjoy learning to stop, drop and roll. If a child or her clothes catch on fire, she needs to stop where she is, drop to the floor and roll around until the fire is out. This practice can help to prevent serious burns.
  
  

Smoke

• Smoke inhalation can prevent a person from getting out of the home. Children should be taught to stay below the smoke when getting out of a burning home. They can crawl on hands and knees, or pull themselves along on their bellies.
  
  

Hot Doorknobs

• Children should also be taught not to grab hold of a doorknob during a fire without checking it for heat first. Make sure they know to touch the doorknob quickly with a finger to test it or wrap a cloth around it before opening the door.
  
  

Escape Route

• A planned escape should be practiced once a month. Your family will also need alternate routes in case the fire is blocking the primary way out. Two routes should be practiced each time. Make sure children know where to meet outside, and how to call 911 after getting out of the home. Children should also be taught not to go back into the house for any reason.