Masterguard Fire Safety Tips For Kids

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Summer is a time to relax, enjoy delicious summer produce and food and sleep in every morning. Kids are also out of school and will be home much more during summer. Due to this increased time spent at home, it is important to establish some basic fire safety rules and tips during the summer to protect your children. Read on for some tips by Masterguard on how to keep children safe during the summer.

1. Establish some ground rules- make sure children know that they are not supposed to touch the stove, oven, toaster or fireplace without adult supervision. Every child is different so each parent should decide on the age when children can use these appliances. Generally, if the child is not tall enough to see over the counter and to comfortably reach onto the counter to handle items, he or she should not be using appliances that are stored on the counter.

2. Be extra careful during special events- summer is the time for outdoor barbecues and grilling. Make sure to keep children away from these pieces of equipment while in use. Only an adult should be handling these appliances. Also, do not keep pots and pans or utensils hanging off of the surface of the grill. A young child is likely to reach up and grab these items, potentially pulling hot substances onto themselves. This can be extremely dangerous and can result in second or even third degree burns.

3. Establish a fire safety plan- in case of an emergency like a fire in the house, each family member should be aware of a designated safe place outside the house to meet. In case their is a fire, all family members should know to immediately exit the house and retreat to this safe spot.

4. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher- in case of fires in the kitchen, all adults and older children should know how to use a fire extinguisher. Make sure yours is current and full. Also, be sure to teach children when to use a fire extinguisher and when to exit the house. For example, if the fire is small and contained within an appliance like an oven, toaster oven or microwave, it may be safe to quickly use a fire extinguisher. If the fire has spread, it may be dangerous to try to use a fire extinguisher and it may be safer to exit the home and dial 911 from a neighbor's phone. Talk about this subject with your children.

5. Use candles carefully- with all the summer cookouts and bonfires, you are bound to have some candles to decorate. Be sure to place these high enough that children cannot access them. Be extra careful to blow them out before going to bed.

6. Be extra careful with bonfires- make sure to set up safe stones far away from the actual fire. Set these up in a ring and teach your children not to cross them.

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