You Guys Would So Die (without My Fire Safety & Prevention Tips)

Teaching kids to be safe is part of growing them into good grown-ups.

The Dudes and I talk (okay, it’s mostly me talking, they are more of the stare and blink enthusiasts) often about things like personal safety- bullying, stranger danger, private areas and how no one is allowed to touch them, or see them, or even bring them up in conversation really because, weird.

We discuss the rules for playing outside alone, for going over to a friends house, bike riding safety, car safety, swimming pool and, because we live near one, lake safety.

Safety first, safety second, and safety third too if you’re nasty.

The thought of my child being injured because I failed to properly inform them of the risks and how to deal in the event of an emergency makes me ill.

That’s why, when I was contacted about fire safety month to write about National Fire Prevention Month & the Sparky App, I threw up a little in my mouth.

Fire safety isn’t something we’ve done much about in our home. What if we had a fire?!

We have a smoke detector that was dangling from the ceiling without the battery up until two weeks ago because the beeping, WHY WON’T IT STOP BEEPING, and my guys know to ignore it if they hear it because it just means Mom is burning dinner what it means.

Sort of.

I mean, when I really sat there and thought about it, they probably don’t know what it means much at all.

We’d never discussed what to do if they awaken at night to the sounds of the smoke alarm beeping.

They probably expect me to save them.

Like always.

Truth, though, Dude 1 would probably sleep right through it (never you mind that it’s right outside of his door), Dude 2 would sleep right through it, and Dude 3 would awaken immediately and burst into hysterical tears.

I’d have to save everyone.

Like the Mom Hero I am.

But, just to be sure, I asked them about it…

Me: Guys, what if we had a fire? Like in the middle of the night and the smoke detector started beeping. What would you do?

Dude 1: Blink. Stare. Blink. It’s always beeping anyway.

Dude 2: Ummmm, run out the door. Or the window! We could jump from the window to the deck.

Dude 3: Probably just stay in my bed until you come get me.

Me: Oh. My. Gosh. You guys would so die.

Jokes aside, National Fire Prevention Week is  great time to ensure that my kids (and YOUR KIDS) know what’s up when it comes to saving their own lives in a fire (those were their for real responses, I just didn’t tell them they would die in a fire; they can’t handle that truth and also, I’m not evil).

Talking to Kids About Safety: Fire Safety & Prevention

1. Talk to your kids about the foolishness of playing with fire. The Dudes found a lighter in the yard recently. Fortunately, every time they find something cool they bring it to me to show it off. When Dude 3 ran up to me, waving a lighter in my face, and screaming something about being able to light camp fires in the yard, I knew I needed to tackle him and remove the contraband from his sight have another chat about playing with fire and how it’s only for grown ups.

2. Go over your fire emergency response plan. What will they do if they hear the smoke alarm at night (not run and scream)? How will they determine if they need to escape (check for smoke, feel the door, that kind of thing)? How will they escape if they need to (No, Sir, you will NOT jump out of the window, and yes, I know it’s not that high and you’ve always wanted to try it. That’s a last resort type thing though, you got me?)?

3. Teach them to dial 911. On your cellphone. Like without having to put in your super secret code first.

4. Talk about what to do if a fire happens when they’re home alone. This element was super important for me, because I know how easy it is to panic when mom isn’t around.

5. Use an app. Kids get those. We tested the new NFPA/Sparky.org Fire Prevention Week app, Sparky and the Case of the Missing Smoke Alarms as an option for parents and teachers wanting to teach their children about fire safety and prevention. Here are some things to know about the app:

• It’s best suited for younger kids, grades prek-3.
• It’s a fun and engaging way to teach kids about fire safety and prevention. Dude 3 enjoyed the story and the interactive elements available for him to engage with as he went through the story. You can push buttons and make sounds and just really get involved with the app on many levels.
• Sparky is a character many young children are already going to be familiar with which makes them want to engage with the app.  Sparky is sorta like the McGruff of this generation. Dude 3 saw it and immediately said, “Hey! It’s Sparky, I have his stickers!”
• There is an added educational element in the gaming section. Kids have to complete a few math problems to go on to the next level. Math snuck into a game about fire prevention? Ummm, yes, please!

• It’s free! And, there aren’t ads or add-ons that your kids will be begging you to let them get (Sparky doesn’t need to upgrade his hovercraft or fire hat, and you get more opportunities to play by doing math problems, not by buying them).
• The Sparky website is a great fire safety and prevention resource for both parents and teachers.

Disclosure: Today’s post is a compensated post about fire safety and prevention came from the National Fire Protection Agency & WeareTeachers.com. All opinions are my own.