Fire Safety Tips for Kids

Matches is a good pup but he's a little careless!

Let's see what you can do to help Matches learn to be a little more safe when it comes to fire safety, prevention, and preparation.

After you help Matches, take our online Junior Firefighter Exam and become an Elmira Fire Danger Ranger!


Matches likes to sleep through the fire drills his family plans. It's no big deal, his house will never catch on fire anyway!




Matches is wrong! Always be prepared for a fire or emergency. You are better off safe than sorry.

Don't be like Matches! Encourage your family to follow these safety precautions!

• Draw the floor plan of your house with your parent's help.
• Make sure you know how to open the windows in your house.
• Know two ways to get out of every room in your house. If you need an escape ladder, make sure your parents show you how to use it.
• Make sure your family has a meeting place that is safe and everyone knows where it is.
• Insist on practicing your escape plan. After everyone knows what to do, tell your parents to surprise you with a drill some night that you aren't expecting it.
• Make sure you have a smoke alarm outside your bedroom and make sure you know what it sounds like.
  
  Does your family need help with an escape plan?
  • Click here so Matches big brother, Sparky, can show you how to put together a plan so everyone in your family will be safe in case of emergency

Don't Get Burned

Matches sure does like hot tea, but his mom is too busy to make some. That's ok! He can figure out how to work the stove.




Matches needs to learn that stoves and ovens are not toys. Never attempt to use these without the close supervision of an adult.

Don't be like Matches! The stove, oven, and furnace can be a dangerous place for children and pups. Follow these safety tips so you don't get burned!

• NEVER cook without permission and direct supervision of a parent.
• Don't distract your parents while they are cooking. Don't play in the kitchen around the stove or oven door.
• Tell your parents that they should never leave the house while they are cooking. The worst fires have started from burning food that was only left "for a minute".
• ALWAYS test the water before getting into the tub.
• Don't play with matches.  These are tools, not toys.
  
  Are there more hazards in your house?
  • Matches big brother, Sparky, has a home safety checklist that you can use to spot the fire and safety hazards in your house. Click here to start checking your home!

Holiday Fire Safety



Matches has to have the tree that will hold the most presents. That's it! That's the one!


Matches has chosen a bad tree. Follow the tips below to pick out a good tree so your holiday is happy and safe.







Don't be like Matches! Select a Christmas tree very carefully to ensure that it is safe. Follow these safety tips when getting ready to deck the halls.

• Always unplug the Christmas tree every night before bedtime.
• Always blow out candles. Never leave candles unattended.
• If you have a live tree, make sure you or your parents water your tree daily.

Keep Your Summer Cool

It's so HOT! Matches has five fans plugged into the outlet and it still isn't enough!

Matches needs to be careful! Overloading an electrical outlet can be very dangerous.

Don't be like Matches! Find other ways to beat the heat during the summer.

• Swimming is a great way to cool off, but never go swimming without an adult watching you.
• Stay out of creeks and ponds unless your parents are with you.
• Always wear a lifejacket when boating or fishing. Don't go fishing alone.
• Keep a safe distance from the grill while your parents are barbecuing. Don't play or roughhouse anywhere near the grill.
• Don't stay in the car on a warm day while your parents run errands. Always go into the store with them. Cars can become dangerously hot very quickly on a warm summer day.
• If you become too hot, ask your parents or a trusted adult for a drink of water. Drink plenty of water when playing outside on warm summer days.
• Use sunscreen appropriately when playing outdoors during summer months.
  

First Aid for Burns


Matches heard that Peanut Butter is good for burns. Why wouldn't it?


Matches needs to learn the proper way to care for a burn.




Don't be like Matches! Know exactly what to do to care and treat a burn. If it's an emergency, dial 911. If not, try these tips:

• Tell your parents or a trusted adult right away.
• Do not put butter, greasy ointments, or other home remedies on the burn.
  
• Call your doctor for any burn except those that are red, sore, and not blistered.
  

Become an Elmira Fire Danger Ranger!
Have you learned what to do to protect you and your family from fire and other dangers from Matches and Sparky? Here's your chance to prove it! Complete the Junior Firefighter Exam and earn your Fire Danger Ranger Badge of Honor.

»Take the Junior Firefighter Exam

Matches the Careless Pup is the Copyright of Elmira City Hall
Matches original design by Aleshia Hutton