The relative risk of children dying in a fire is now less than the general
population. Lower risk may be attributed, in part, to an increase in public fire
education and prevention efforts by fire departments and other fire safety
organizations.
Did you know:
In 2020, the relative risk of dying in a fire for children ages 14 and
under was 70% less than that of the general population.
More child fire
risk statistics
Although the relative risk of dying in
a fire for children is less than that of the general population, the fire service must continue
its important role in teaching parents and caregivers about how to protect kids from fire.
Explore these materials to learn more about discussing fire safety with parents, teachers and
other caregivers.
Messages to share
with caregivers
Make a fire escape plan
It is important to have a plan when there are children in your home. Children sometimes need help
getting out of the house. They may not know how to escape or what to do unless an adult shows
them.
Have a plan for young children who cannot get
outside by themselves. You will need to wake babies and very young children and help
them get out. In your plan, talk about who will help each child get out safely.
It is important to find 2 ways out of every room in
your home in case the first exit is blocked or dangerous to use.
Choose a meeting place outside your home. Children
should know what to do when they hear a smoke alarm and there is no adult around. Help
them practice going to the outside meeting place. Teach them to never go back inside a
building that is on fire.
Keep children safe from fire and burns
Some children are curious about fire. There are simple steps you can take to keep you and the
people you love safer from fire and burns.
Keep children 3 feet away from anything that can
get hot. Space heaters and stovetops can cause terrible burns. Keep children at least 3
feet away from stoves, heaters or anything that gets hot.
Keep smoking materials locked up in a high place.
Never leave cigarette lighters or matches where children can reach them.
Never play with lighters or matches when you are
with your children. Children may try to do the same things they see you do.
Messages to share
with kids
Fires burn fast and hot, and smoke can make a room
very dark.
You should know 2 ways out of every room and 2 ways
out of your house.
Before you open a door, feel it. If it is hot, use
your other exit.
Stay low and get to your exit if you smell or see
smoke or if your smoke alarm sounds.
Stay outside. Don't go back inside for
anything.
Never touch matches, lighters or candles. If you
find matches or lighters, tell an adult.
If you get burned, put the burn under cool water
for 3 to 5 minutes. Tell an adult right away about your burn.
Pictographs can help overcome literacy barriers by communicating messages with pictures. Our
pictographs will help you to communicate fire safety messages to high-risk populations.
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