With the Christmas season coming in, definitely every house has decorations and Christmas lights or holiday lighting and fire safety for kids this Christmas Holiday. Of course, we don’t want these things to be absent during Christmas as we feel warm and fuzzy with our holiday decorations, lit candles and holiday lights. However, this is also the time of the year when quite a number of homes catch on fire because of carelessness. Now this might be the best time to talk with your kids about fire safety. Here are some tips on fire safety for kids this Christmas holiday.
If you own a home – a fire escape ladder is always great to have.
Firstly, you have to make sure that you supply fresh water to your Christmas tree. This would be a perfect task to involve your children. Let them know that a cut tree needs adequate amounts of water to keep it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Many people don’t realize that a cut on a tree starts to seal in 5 minutes so it is best to not accept the prepared cut when you pick up your christmas tree at Home
Depot and just cut the bottom when you get home. If the tree becomes too dry, even the Christmas lights can generate enough heat to start a fire. Make a habit of turning the lights off before your head off to bed.
Second, never leave candles unattended. Candles are always been a part of the holiday decoration, but if you are talking about fire safety for kids then this one should be handled carefully. Make sure that the candles are always set on a metal stand of sufficient size, or, for small candles, contain them in a glass or metal votive holder. Holiday fire safety is just using common sense. It is a good idea to watch for tips that your local fire department put out in the paper during this time. This will help with fire prevention and will help with your holiday fire safety. The last thing you want is to not have proper fire prevention and have the fire department visit you on hour holiday.
Third, keep lighters out of reach. Kids do like to play with lighters, especially the young ones. Consider using lighters which have a dial that can be turned to a position where the lighter won’t work. Nonetheless, you still want to let kids know about how dangerous lighters can be, to make that temptation a little less inviting. The needles around the tree should be removed daily as the sap can catch on fire and burn easily.
Fourth, never use gas burning portable appliance’s indoors. There are appliances that are recommended to be used outdoors, particularly the very popular turkey fryer. This can cause fire and spilled grease can spell disaster in terms of skin burns. Find a spot outdoor where the fryer can be placed on bare ground and supervise the fryer during the cooking period. Never allow kids to play around the turkey fryer when in use. Also keep a fire extinguisher for safety. Make sure it is the ABC type of fire extinguisher for all types of fires.
Fifth, never leave appliances unattended. There are times when you are doing a lot of cooking and entertaining and those are the times where electrical appliances sure do come in handy. There is a possibility that appliances short out, which causes the fire. In your fire safety for kids ‘class’, let them know that appliances such as crock pots, popcorn makers, blenders and toaster ovens should be unplugged when they’re done using them.
The last would be the most important of our tips on fire safety for kids is this: always have a fully charged fire extinguisher on hand. Teach older kids how to use the fire extinguisher. Remember, a grease fire in the broiler can engulf your kitchen in flames within just a few minutes.
If you live on a two story house or larger, make sure you have fire escape ladder. They are very inexpensive and will give you peace of mind during the holiday season. Practice with the fire escape ladder to encourage confidence for you children.
When you think about it, fire safety for kids is really common sense, but your kids need to be informed. Posting a ‘cheat sheet’ on the fridge with specific instructions is also a good idea. You’ll sleep better and have a safe and happy holiday, knowing your kids are aware of the dangers of fire and know what to do to have fire safety for kids this Christmas Holiday!