Curious Children and Fire...
What Every Parent Should Know...
Anytime A Child Plays With Fire, The Outcome Can Be Deadly.
- Fires are the leading cause of death in the home for children under 5 years old.
- The NFPA reports that of all those young children who died in home fires last year, fully one third set the fires that killed them.
- Children under 12 set almost half of all structural fires.
- According to Shriners' Burn Institute, burn injuries are a major cause of death for preschoolers, and matchplay is a leading source of burn injuries.
The Curious Firesetter
- Is typically a 3-7 year old boy who,
- Is hyperactive and impulsive
- Often opposes authority
- Is curious about fire, and
- Very determined to learn about it
The Fires He Sets
- Are usually started with matches or lighters, with
- Ordinary and available materials burned (like paper, cloth, carpeting or toys)
- Are often in hidden locations, (in a closet or under beds) and
- Vary in terms of number, sequence or pattern.
The Risks He Creates
- This type of firesetting, even though it has the simplest motivation and is easiest to treat, has the highest death rate and largest dollar loss of all fire-related behaviors.
- The fires can go undetected long enough to become serious.
- The firesetting often continues despite punishment.
You Can Prevent Most Firesetting By Following These Three Steps
STEP 1: TEACH YOUR CHILD ABOUT FIRE
* Fire is a tool we use to heat our homes or cook our food * It is not a toy * * Because it makes heat, fir is very dangerous * Only adults can safely use fire * All fires, even small ones, can spread quickly * Even adults must follow safety rules for fire. STEP 2: CONTROL YOUR CHILD'S ACCESS TO FIRE
* Keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of young children, even a 2 year old can operate a cigarette lighter * Never allow anyone to use lighters or matches in an unsafe manner in your home * Never leave stove or candle fires unattended * Teach children to bring any matches or lighters they find to you or another adult. STEP 3: SET A GOOD EXAMPLE
* Install and maintain smoke detectors and fire extinguishers * Plan and practice home fire escape drills * Regularly inspect your home for fire hazards * Always use safety sense when making or using fire * Point out the safety rules you and others are following throughout the course of your day.
...But If You Suspect It's Already Happening...
- If you discover evidence of matchplay, such as spent matches, or burnt paper or cloth, or you smell smoke in a play area
- If you notice your child staring at the gas stove flame or a lit candle, or you see him reaching for the stove controls or matches or lighters
- If your child asks or tries to light cigarettes for you or other adults in your home
- If your child rushes to the window or TV whenever he hears the sounds of sirens and fire trucks.
ALL OF THESE ARE SIGNS THAT YOUR CHILD IS CURIOUS ABOUT FIRE
This is normal and healthy. The wise parent directs this curiosity to a safe outcome. Don't try to frighten or scare your child. Don't punish him for being curious about the world and the fascinating things in it. Never try to burn your child's fingers, this is child abuse. These tactics don't work because they don't teach your child anything about fire.
Instead, talk to your child in a calm, assured manner, explaining your worry for his safety. Follow the 3 steps described above. Create opportunities for your child to learn about fire safety, whenever you cook, let him get the pot holders for you; whenever you use the fireplace or woodstove, let him bring you the wood or tools; or if you light candles, let him check to make sure the candle holder fits snugly.
WHAT IF IT ISN'T PLAY?
If your child has already discovered matches and fire through "play" and he does not respond to your efforts to redirect his curiosity to fire safety, he may require a different approach to stop the behavior. If you discover evidence of additional fires, or the fires change somehow, )become more serious or deliberate), or you sense your child is not just curious about how fire works, it might be time for outside help. A multi-session fire education program, geared to your child's level of interest and understanding, taught by a professional, could prove very effective. WHERE TO GO FOR HELP
Many communities have specialized programs for children who play with or start fires, available through the schools, local fire department or mental health agencies. In Brunswick you can call 725-5541 for further assistance. DON'T WAIT; ALL FIRES START SMALL
INFORMATION FROM THE NEW ENGLAND ASSOCIATION OF FIRE MARSHALS