
Dr. Chetan Ginigeri
A passionate Child Health Advocate, Paediatric Emergency and ICU consultant, Child Safety Expert, Author, and Teambuilder – Dr. Chetan Ginigeri wears different hats according to the role necessit More
Written by Dr. Chetan Ginigeri
A passionate Child Health Advocate, Paediatric Emergency and ICU consultant, Child Safety Expert, Author, and Teambuilder – Dr. Chetan Ginigeri wears different hats according to the role necessit More
Fire is the most useful thing in our lives if used properly. A single blunder can make it become the most dangerous thing that can claim lives. It is important to be very careful while dealing with any kind of fire.
Our senses do not work if we see any fire breakout near us. It will be very difficult for kids to think and act accordingly. As a parent, it becomes vital to take the necessary care. With all the precautions and tips that we are going to discuss here, you will successfully be able to help pull your kid out of danger even in your absence.
In This Article
The process of quick oxidation of any object leads to fire. It is not just the kitchen that can be a danger. Any electrical appliance can cause fire accidents. Immature and improper handling of electrical appliances like microwave ovens, refrigerators, television, air conditioner, air cooler, and other useful products that run on electricity can be the cause of danger. Educating your kids about the usage and misuse of these products can help them understand and act accordingly. They can teach or tell their friends that these are not the objects to play with.
Here are the top 9 fire safety tips for kids. Inculcating and teaching them these can help them avoid danger. This can also help them to act wisely during any such accidents they witness or undergo.
Kids are innocent and they play with any object that attracts them. In these days of the pandemic, the home has become the epicentre for kids. They play inside the house by making the available objects their friends. This can sometimes be hazardous. Having a good and healthy talk with your child during your free time can help them stay alert during any emergency. This will also help them understand about the appliances at home that are not safe to play with.
[Read : Say No to Shocks: Electricity Safety for Kids]
Fire is extremely unforgiving. Children may not know that and they continue playing with whatever object they find interesting. Playing with lighters and matches can be very dangerous. Lighters contain flammable fluids. The auto-ignition of a lighter can prove to be very dangerous if it is carried in their pockets or bags for playing. Playing with matches again should be a strict no for the children. As they do not know how to handle a burning match stick, panic can make them throw that away thus leading to hazards. Keep matches and lighters out of reach. If there is an older kid at home, ask them to keep an eye on the younger ones. Never, even by mistake, leave them alone unattended for a long time.
Matches are not extinguished until the whole wood is burned. Small sparks of fire remain and it will take some time for it to extinguish completely. These small sparks are extremely light, even a gentle breeze can take them off the place. These can be dangerous if they catch a cloth or any flammable object. Always double-check after you extinguish a match stick and wait there until there is no danger. After lighting a lamp or a candle at home, make sure you throw off the burnt match stick in a safe place. There is a risk that children can step on that, this can cause burns to their soles.
Fireplaces are the source of heat during winter. They are designed in such a way that the fire and smoke escape out through a chimney above.
Stoves are another very useful source of cooking in every house, be it an electric stove or a gas stove. Since most Indian kitchens possess gas stoves as the source of cooking, there are three possible dangers. A gas pipe, an LPG cylinder, and the stovetop.
[Read : Kitchen Safety Basics For Kids]
Many household items can be flammable. Be very cautious while using them. Do not let your child use them when you are not around.
Children observe a lot and learn, so be cautious about what you do while they are watching.
Fireproofing the house is as important as taking life insurance. This can assure safety for you and your children. Since the home is a place where they feel safe and secure while they play and run, fireproofing the house can make it safer.
Teach your children to crawl and get to the exit. Once a house catches fire, the thick and dark smoke can block everything and make the way unclear. Children must know that it is the floor that gets air and remains clean. Crawling can help children breathe and escape the fire. Help them practice this while you are at home. Children should know to act quickly and sensibly in case of a fire.
A fire drill plan can help children act faster in an emergency fire situation.
Apartment fires and the cautions that are involved in them can be a bit different.
Fire can be extremely dangerous and harsh. Staying cautious and teaching your child to be cautious can help you avoid situations that can be fatal. A small mistake of leaving your little one unattended near a hot gas top or an oven that is not switched off can lead to the most uninvited situations. Children feel safe at home. It is our responsibility to make the home safe for them to run around and play. Teaching and helping them understand how to be safe can avoid many dangers. Your instructions can help them stay cautious and alert even if they are in a different place. They will be able to get themselves and the people around them out of such situations. A child can grasp anything you tell them very quickly. They will understand and follow every step you instructed them in case of any danger.
In case of any burn, treat that burnt part with cold running water. The water should not be too cold. Apply an ointment. Talk to your doctor about the intensity of the burn. Make sure to get an appointment after the first aid at home. Burns open the skin and tend to invite a lot of infections.
Any small burn can heal on its own after proper first aid and care. If you feel that it is turning into a blister and if you feel pain, call your doctor and make an appointment. Blisters can burst open and may need proper dressing under medical supervision.
Some smoke alarms are sensitive and can respond even to a small amount of smoke. Make sure your house has good ventilation. Open all the windows and let the smoke go out. Once the alarm turns off, check all the electrical appliances and gas stoves to make sure that they are in proper working condition.
Read Also: Burns in Babies: Treatment & Home Remedies
Dr Chetan Ginigeri is an experienced Pediatric Intensivist with national and international training. With 15 years of experience, he is one among very few Intensivists in India trained to take care of children who need/had organ transplants. He has been responsible for coordinating the Pediatric Organ Transplant program.Read more.
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