How to Talk to Your Child About What to Do in a House Fire

Disaster Survival Coach Blog

Tips and tricks for all things unexpected

Talking to your kids about what to do in a house fire is essential, and it’s best to start when they’re around five years old. Before this, they might be too young to understand. But from 5 and up, they can learn and remember safety tips. Teaching them about fire safety can save lives. Kids need to know what to do if a fire happens. This way, they can stay calm and safe.

Understanding a Child's Perspective

Kids often feel scared when they think about house fires. They might worry about getting hurt or losing their toys and things. It’s normal for them to have many questions, like “What happens if there’s a fire when we’re sleeping?” or “What if I can’t find you?”. They need clear, straightforward answers to feel safer. Listen to their worries and talk honestly. Let them know it’s okay to be scared, but there are things they can do to stay safe. This helps them feel more in control and less afraid.

Key Safety Tip

Here are some essential safety tips for kids about fires:

Stop, Drop, and Roll – Teach them if their clothes catch fire, they should stop, drop to the ground, and roll back and forth until the fire is out.
Don’t Hide, Stay Visible – Remind them never to hide under beds or in closets if there’s a fire. Firefighters need to see them to help them.
Smoke Alarms – Explain how smoke alarms work. They make a loud noise when there’s smoke, meaning a fire might occur. They should know this sound and what to do when they hear it.
Stay Low – Generally, kids won’t be as tall, but show them how to crawl low under smoke. The air is cleaner and cooler near the floor.
Touch Doors – Teach them to touch doors with the back of their hand to see if they’re hot before opening them. If it’s hot, use a different way out.

These simple tips can help keep them safe during a fire.

Creating a Fire Escape Plan

Making a fire escape plan with your kids is vital.

⮕ Start by walking through your home and finding two ways out of each room, like a door and a window.

⮕ Draw a map of your home showing these exits. Choose a safe place outside, like a tree or a mailbox, where everyone will meet after getting out.

⮕ Practice the escape plan with your kids a few times a year. Make it like a drill so they remember what to do. This helps your kids know how to get out quickly and safely if there’s a fire.

Role of Parents During Preparation

As parents, staying calm when you talk about fire safety is important. Your calmness helps your kids feel safe.

When you practice the escape plan, make it a calm, regular activity, not something scary. Your support and reassurance show them they can handle the situation. This way, they learn to be careful without being too worried.

Final Thoughts

Talking openly and practicing the escape plan often are key. These tips should help your kids remember what to do in a fire. Regular practice makes these steps familiar so your kids feel ready and less scared if a fire happens.

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Tanya Ellen

Based in Australia, Tanya Ellen is also known as the Disaster Survival Coach. Through her TikTok channel, she produces accessible, entertaining content on how to cope with unexpected events. Tanya is the Chief youth and family advisor at the International Sustainable Resilience Center, a Not For Profit organization in the United States. Tanya is also a panelist and moderator for international conferences in tech, sustainability, and adaptation. She is the author of the Award-winning children’s Disaster Survival series: The Tufts.