Playing with fire how to#

Don’t allow teens to have candles in their bedrooms. Never leave a child unattended in a room with a lit candle.Children should be asked to promise to use fire only in the presence of a parent. A child’s curiosity may be satisfied if he or she is entrusted to use matches in appropriate situations.

Playing with fire how to#

Older children should be taught how to use matches and lighters safely.

Children may seek out the lighter and imitate you.

Do not use lighters as a source of amusement for a child.

If a child expresses curiosity about fire or has been playing with fire, calmly but firmly explain that matches and lighters are tools, not toys.

Instruct older children to bring matches or lighters to you.

Teach toddlers to tell you when they find a match or a lighter.

Instruct them to show you any unattended matches or lighter.

Use a 'don’t touch' approach with children under five years of age.

Approximately half of the child fire starters had previously played with matches or a lighter.

Check under beds and in closets for burned matches or hidden lighters.

This includes multi-purpose or barbecue-style lighters.

Store lighters and matches out of sight and reach, preferably in a locked cabinet or drawer.

Ask your children to tell you where all the matches and lighters are located throughout your home. Ensure your kids know what to do in case of a fire.Teach your children that fire is not a toy and to never play with matches, cigarette lighters, or multi-purpose lighters.Check under beds and in closets for burnt matches-evidence your child may be playing with fire. Keep matches and lighters locked-up and away from children.Most fire-play fires (77%) start outside, but most associated deaths (97%) are in home structure fires.Preschoolers and kindergartners are most likely (46%) to start fires, typically by playing with matches and lighters.Fire Administration and the Charleston Fire Department encourage parents and caregivers to teach children at an early age about the dangers of fire play in an effort to prevent child injuries, fire deaths, and fire-setting behavior in the future. These are 'secret' places where a lot of things may catch fire easily.Ĭhildren of all ages set fires and more than 400 (aged 9 and younger) die each year in home fires. At home, children may play with fire - usually lighters, matches, or other ignitables - in bedrooms, in closets, or under beds. Children are one of the highest risk groups for deaths in residential fires.