This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Fire Safety: Be Prepared - Just in Case

Fire Prevention week was October 6-12, 2013 focusing on "Preventing Kitchen Fires".  Primrose students learned about fire safety and fire prevention from DeKalb County firefighters during a visit to the school. 

Each year, we hear news stories of young children who have used what they’ve learned about fire safety to “save the day” in the event of a fire or cooking accident. Even when we think they might be too young to understand, they are absorbing and processing what they hear and see. The key is to find a way to actively engage your child with the information you are trying to convey.  When it comes to fire safety, why not learn from a real-life hero and take a trip to your local fire department? Local fire departments often participate in community festivals to give children an opportunity to see real fire trucks and meet firefighters in person. Most fire departments also host special events during October in association with National Fire Prevention Week, so check your local community website for more information.

Nothing is more exciting to a young child than firefighters and their larger-than-life fire engines. From the sparkling lights and sirens to the helmet and firefighting gear – there is something captivating about a firefighter! Sending a handmade thank-you card is a great way to show your appreciation for these community helpers who work hard to keep us safe.

In addition to your family field trip, here are a few other ways to extend the learning experience in your home: 

Find out what's happening in Brookhavenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Communicate the dangers of fire. As soon as your child begins to show an interest or curiosity about fire, talk with him about fire safety and what it means. Reading a book about fire safety is a good way to introduce your child to the topic in a way that will be meaningful and lasting. A couple of good choices are "No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids (and Dragons)" by Jean E Pendziwol and Martine Gourbault or "Stop, Drop and Roll" by Margery Cuyler.

Have smoke detectors that work. Fire safety specialists advise having smoke detectors on each floor of your home and outside or inside bedrooms. It is important to test your smoke detectors on a monthly basis to make sure the batteries are charged. Include your child when you check the fire detectors in your home and make this an opportunity to talk to him about why smoke detectors are important.

Find out what's happening in Brookhavenwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Have a plan. Make sure that your family is prepared by creating a fire-escape plan. The plan should include multiple exit strategies and a safe family meeting place outside your home. Draw a picture with labels that shows the exits and meeting place. The National Fire Safety Administration’s website www.sparky.org includes printable fire safety checklists, home escape plan grids, etc.

Practice fire drills.  Be sure to practice your fire-escape plan at least two times a year by conducting a family fire drill.  It can include crawling, testing doors for heat and stop, drop and roll drills.

To learn more about Primrose School of Dunwoody, visit our school campus at 5050 Nandina Lane in Dunwoody, www.PrimroseDunwoody.com or call 770.396.8266.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Brookhaven