“FIRE STOPS WITH YOU”
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU
Marion Fire Department
3933 Katz Drive
Marion, IA 52302
(319) 377-8237
The goal of Fire Prevention is to reduce property damage caused by fire and eliminate fire casualties by examining the fire and safety needs of citizens, by delivering educational materials and programs to the public.
Curious Kids Set Fires
Every day Americans experience the tragedy of fire. Each year more than 5,000 Americans die in fires and more than 25,000 are injured. Figures show that each year about 450 people are killed and $300 million in property is destroyed in fire attributed to children playing with fire.
FACTS:
All ages, 3 to 17 years old, set over 100,000 fires annually. 25,000 of those fire are set in homes.
Children make up between 20-25% of all fire deaths.
Over 30% of the fires that kill children are set by children playing with fire.
Children usually play with fire in the bedrooms, in closets or under beds.
Child fire setters, if not given the proper guidance and supervision, consequently repeat their fire setting behavior.
Practice Fire Safety in the Home
- Supervise young children closely.
- Keep matches and lighters in a secured drawer or cabinet.
- Have your children tell you when they find matches and lighters.
- Check under beds for burned matches, evidence your child may be playing with fire.
- Teach children that fire is a tool and not a toy.
- Develop a home fire escape plan, practice once a month with your children.
- Designate a meeting place outside.
- Teach children not to hide from firefighters, but get out quickly and call for help from another location.
- Teach children the nature of fire. It is HOT, FAST, DARK, AND DEADLY.
- Show children how to crawl low on the floor, below the smoke, to get out of the house and stay out.
- Demonstrate STOP, DROP, and ROLL if their clothes caught on fire.
- Install smoke alarms on every level in your home. Test them each month and replace the batteries once a year.
WE CAN ASSIST BY:
- Help parents become aware of Juvenile fire-setting, interventions, and resources available.
- One-on-one counseling with your child (tailored to their age).
- Increase their awareness about basic fire safety.
- Discuss consequences of fire setting with your child.
For assistance contact:
Assistant Chief Rick Boots
Phone: (319) 377-8237
Fax: (319) 377-0554
E-Mail: Rboots@firedept.ci.marion.ia.us [1]
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
The United States Fire Administration
Office of Fire Management Programs
16825 South Seton
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
Or visit the USFA website:
www.usfa.fema.com [2]
Portions of this have been reprinted with permission from the USFA