Home fires can start and spread quickly, which is why it is essential to be prepared and educated in fire safety. A little bit of planning and training can make the difference for you and your family. Here, the fire loss attorney at AFSL detail ways to educate your children about fire safety.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), approximately 271 children died in a fire or from a fire related injury in 2015. Compared to 460 children in 2006, the overall trend in the fire death rate of children ages 0 to 14 decreased 48 percent. Fewer children die in fires today compared to 12 years ago thanks, in part, to an increase in fire education and prevention efforts.

Fire safety starts at home. As a parent it is important to know that there are steps you can take to educate your child about fires, and what to do if your family is affected by one. Taking fire safety seriously can drastically improve the chances of your family escaping a fire unharmed.

Playing with Fire is Dangerous

Teach your children that playing with fire is dangerous. Encourage them to never play with matches, lighters or fire. Make a habit of placing these items or any other fire starters away and out of reach from young children.

Have an Escape plan

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), only one-third of Americans have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.

Developing and practicing a family escape plan in the event of a fire is one of the best practices of teaching fire safety. Create and practice a home fire escape plan that includes at least two ways out of every room. Having a stopwatch to time your children on how fast they can escape will make the drill a fun and exciting experience for them.

Reacting Appropriately

Teaching your children to react in an appropriate manner can reduce the risk of injury in the event of a fire. Children should know how to respond to the sound of a smoke alarm. Teach them not to panic, get low and evacuate the building in a calm and orderly manner. A coached child will have a better chance of escaping injury free.

Contact a Fire Loss Attorney

There is no doubt that being well prepared for a fire will greatly increase you and your family’s chances of making it out safely. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Fire loss or damage can be a devastating experience, especially if you or a loved one has been injured. Through AFSL’s comprehensive strategies and practices, our compassionate attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of fire loss and injury rebuild their lives, and receive the compensation they deserve. For more information, we urge you to contact us today.