Fire safety education for children: How to teach safety to the youngest through play

Fire fascinates children. It's warm, it glows, and it dances. But this fascination also harbors dangers. So how do you talk to children about fire without frightening them? How do you teach them vital rules of conduct that will really stick in an emergency?

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The key lies in playful, age-appropriate, and repeated safety education. It's not about painting horror scenarios, but about teaching respect for fire and turning children into competent little heroes when it comes to safety.

Basics: No fear, but respect

Talk openly and honestly about fire. Explain that fire can be useful (candles on birthday cake, campfire, heating) but can also be very dangerous when it is "walking alone".

• Rule No. 1: Fire is not a toy. Make it clear that lighters and matches are for adults only. Always keep them out of reach.

• Rule No. 2: Found? Report! Practice with your child what to do if they find a lighter or matches: Don't touch it, but tell an adult immediately. Praise your child lavishly when they do.

Smoke detectors: Our friend on the ceiling

The shrill sound of a smoke detector can frighten children. That's why it's important to familiarise them with the sound.

• The "Hearing Test": DRegularly move the test button of the smoke detector together. Explain: "When you hear this sound, it's our signal. It doesn't mean 'I'm afraid', But 'Go out and be safe'."

• Smoke is like a cloud that doesn't tickles: Explain that smoke is dangerous and should not be inhaled. Playfully practice crawling on all fours under the "smoke" (e.g. a bed sheet), because "On the ground is the best air".

Escape Plan: Our Secret Family Path

A theoretical plan is not enough. Children must know the way and have practised in practice.

• The family gathering place: Set a fixed outdoor meeting place that is easy for everyone to remember (e.g. the large apple tree in the garden, the street lamp opposite).
  

• The escape route rally: Practice the escape route from different rooms - even in the dark. Who will find the fastest to the assembly point?

• Important: Do not open doors when the handle is hot! Feel with the back of your hand. If it is hot, a different way (e.g. window) must be used.

  
  

• Rule No. 3: Never hide! Repeatedly emphasize that in case of a fire, children should never hide in a closet or under the bed. Firefighters are there to help and need to be able to find them quickly.

112: The number for heroes

Even preschool children can learn to call the emergency number

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• When do you call? Only when it's really burning and no adult can help.

• What do you say? Practice the most important W-questions:

  
  

  Who's calling? (Your name)

  
  

  Where did it happen? (Your address)

  
  

  What happened? (It's on fire)

• Rule No. 4: Don't hang up! Explain that the person on the phone still has questions and you can't hang up until they say so.

Conclusion: Repetition makes Master

Fire safety education is not a one-off conversation, but an ongoing process. Integrate the topics playfully into everyday life. The more obvious the rules become for your children, the more likely it is that they will react correctly and without panic in an emergency.

Do you have questions about home security? From the installation of smoke detectors to the inspection of your fire extinguishers - the ALFA Fire Fighting Solutions team will be happy to advise you so that your whole family is safe.