CHILDREN AND FIRE

The Oneida Fire Department conducts tours of the department for school groups and organizations. Please contact the Department at 363-1910 to schedule an appointment for your group to visit the Oneida Fire Department.

Every year, hundreds of children die in home fires started by children who were using or playing with matches or lighters.

Children have a normal and healthy fascination with fire. If your children express curiosity about fire, or if you find they have been playing with matches or lighters, it’s best to respond calmly, not punitively.

An excellent approach is to explain firmly to your child that matches and lighters are tools for adults to use carefully. Find safe ways to let your child participate in your careful use of fire. Let them blow out candles, for example, or put charcoal in the grill before you light it. As children grow more mature, they can learn how to use matches and lighters safely, but only under adult supervision.

Keep Matches and Lighters Away From Children

Children as young as two years old have been reported to have started fires with matches and lighters. If you live with children, treat matches and lighters as you would treat a dangerous weapon: Store them up high, out of children’s reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.

Teach very young that if they see matches or lighters they should not touch them, but to tell a grown-up about them and where they are. School-age children, on the other hand, should be taught to bring matches or lighters to an adult so the hazard can be removed from younger children.

Children are naturally curious about fire. An estimated 10% of home candle fires are started by children playing with candles or with combustible materials near candles.

Don’t let children play with candles or dripping wax.
Never leave a child unattended in a room with a burning candle.
Don’t allow children or teens to burn candles in their bedrooms.
Store candles, matches, and lighters up high and out of children’s sight and reach.