 |
|
Tips On Preventing Child-Playing Fires
(HealthScoutNews) -- Child's play can
be deadly.
Children playing with fire cause
hundreds of fire deaths and injuries each year. Preschoolers are
most likely to play with matches and lighters that lead to fires
and are most likely to die in such fires, says the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA).
Most people killed in child-playing
fires are under age 6, and child-playing fires are the leading
cause of fire death among preschool children.
In 1998, children playing with
fire caused 67,490 fires reported to U.S. fire departments, resulting
in 232 civilian deaths, 1,805 civilian injuries, and $234.7
million in direct property damage, the NFPA says.
About 3 out of every 4 child-playing
fires and at least 4 out of 5 injuries or deaths involve matches
and lighters -- with lighters causing the larger share, the NFPA
says. But children also start fires when they play with stoves,
candles, fireworks and lighted tobacco products.
Here are some NFPA child fire safety
tips for parents and caregivers:
- Buy only child-resistant lighters.
But remember that they're not child-proof.
- Store all matches and lighters
out of the reach and sight of children. Put them in a high location,
preferably in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave young children unattended.
- Never use matches or lighters
as a source of amusement for children. They may want to imitate
you.
- If you think your child is playing
with fire or is unduly fascinated with fire, call your local
fire department, school, or community counseling agency to help
you get in touch with experts who can help your child.
- Teach young children that they
should tell an adult if they find matches or lighters. School-age
children should be taught to bring matches or lighters they
find to an adult.
- Children should be taught to
stop, drop and roll if their clothes catch on fire. Teach children
that when there is a fire, they shouldn't hide, but should get
out of the house immediately.
More Information
To learn more about fire safety,
go to the NFPA.
Reference
Source 101
For more information on how to prevent other diseases, use
PreventDisease.com's "Quick
Prevention Resources".
|
|
|
