SMMART TIME-OUT: Fire Safety
Did you know that you are supposed to change the batteries in your smoke detector every six months to a year? Can't believe I didn't know this! (Maybe I did once upon a time, but just forgot:) It kind of sucked the wind from my lungs when I heard the fire chief remind us at my pre-schooler's last field trip. There were some other great reminders too...thought I'd share a few to make sure that we're all Fire Safe!
-Make a FIRE ESCAPE PLAN from your home and PRACTICE with your family. I think it would be a good idea to practice every six months when you're changing the batteries in your smoke alarms. Here is a link to help you plan your fire escape plan: http://www.sparky.org/safety_tips.html
-Help your children become aware of what a fully suited FIRE MAN LOOKS LIKE and teach them to not hide from the possibly scary looking man, but to trust him to help your child.
-Here are some great SAFETY DISCUSSION POINTS to share with your children:
- TEST YOUR FIRE ALARMS MONTHLY. Let your child be involved in pushing the button and testing the alarms to make sure they're working. The fire chief showed us a fire alarm that, when activated, sounds a voice-alert. Here is a review on the KidSmart fire alarm-you decide if it's better. Be sure to remember a CO Detector too! (Some alarms come 2-in-1)
-Teach your child how to "STOP, DROP and ROLL" while covering their faces, and Feel doors if they're hot or cold before exiting.
I think a great activity to share with your children is to show them these hazardous room pictures at http://www.firesafety.gov/kids/lesson/lesson_plan_hfs.shtm and discuss the fire safety mistakes. You could print the list of mistakes and then cut them into strips. Take turns choosing a strip and finding the mistake in the picture.
If you haven't had a chance to visit the fire station with your child, plan a field trip there and invite some neighborhood friends. Our fire station did an excellent job of sharing some life-saving ideas with our children, and reminding MOM of what I need to do to ensure that my family FIRE SAFE!
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