Holidays often bring with them glowing candles, extra lighting, and more plugged-in items such as warming trays, decorations, and extra paper and materials around the home. With this also comes an increased risk of accidental fires in a home or child care setting.
Child care providers, educators and parents should be aware of fire safety when plugging in lights and decorations, and as a part of decorating be sure to add in a reminder to children about fire safety.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), approximately 4,000 Americans die in fires and about 25,000 are injured from fires every year. The message the USFA is making sure kids of all ages know about fire safety for kids basics and whether families and businesses prepared in case of a fire in the home.
In-home child care providers should consider providing parents with information about their fire safety plan in the unlikely event of a fire while children are in care. Providers can also ask parents to provide a brief description of their own home fire safety plan and reinforce it through discussions, drawings, and play throughout the month.
The USFA emphasizes that anyone’s home can fall victim to a fire, and while eliminating fire hazards is one important sign, it is critical to have an escape plan. After all, planning and preparation may save your life or the life of loved ones.
Special attention should be given to ensuring that outlets are not overloaded, candles are out of reach of children and are not left burning, and that paper items are not placed in areas that could be ignited.
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