Toddlers are very curious. They want to learn about everything, especially objects that are shiny, light up, or make unique sounds such as matches, lighters, candles and fireplaces.
Toddlers are also great imitators. At this age, adults are a toddler’s favorite toy. As you use items around the house, your toddler will want to imitate your actions. This heightened curiosity and the need to imitate is because of their eagerness to learn.
Curiosity is natural for toddlers, but unknowingly it puts them at a safety risk in the blink of an eye. Keep your toddler safe with these fire safety tips.
Be fire safe around the house
- Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet.
- Avoid using lighters that look like a toy such as a car, doll or ones decorated with bright colors.
- Never leave children or pets alone around open flames, such as a lighted candle. For a safer option, use battery-operated candles.
- Install a safety gate around your fireplace even if you have a glass covering. The glass heats up and can cause burns when touched.
- Keep fire extinguishers available at key locations in your home — the kitchen, bedroom, hallway or at the top of the stairs.
- Remember, your toddler loves to imitate you, so never use matches or lighters as amusement for your child.
Teach your child
- Teach your child that fire is dangerous; it can hurt you and your things.
- Instruct your child to never play with matches, lighters, candles, fireplaces, fire pits, gas stoves, etc.
- Teach your toddler to tell you when they find matches or a lighter. Show your child the items and say, “If you find one of these, don’t touch it. Come and get me and show me where you found it.”
- Practice fire drills at home. Rehearse different situations; your family will be better prepared to get out of danger quickly and safely.
Get to know firefighters
Teach your child that firefighters are friends.
The safety gear a firefighter wears can be scary to toddlers. They can perceive fully geared firefighters as monsters. Children often hide in a closet, under a bed, or in a corner if they see a fully geared firefighter.
Help your child be prepared:
- Read stories about firefighters to help your child get familiar with what a firefighter looks like when they’re all dressed in safety gear.
- To help your child know firefighters as helpful friends, visit a local fire station.
Learn more
- Keep kids safe: The ABCs of childhood injury prevention
- Fireworks safety: The do’s and don’ts
- Changing your clocks? Change your batteries, too
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Posted In Children's, Family Medicine, Parenting
