Tip of the Week: Learning About Fire Safety
October is a great month to focus on fire safety and to invite local fire departments to visit early childhood education programs, said Dominique Webster-Outten, ELRC Region 5’s health and safety coach.
Learning About Fire Safety
Inviting fire departments to classrooms is a great way for children to meet community helpers, learn about fire safety, explore a fire truck, and see firefighters in full gear to help reduce fear during an emergency.
Webster-Outten said October is a busy time of year, so early childhood education programs should contact their local fire department now before schedules fill up.
Fire Safety for Children
The state of Pennsylvania’s website notes that fires caused by children annually lead to hundreds of injuries and millions of dollars in damages.
Some everyday actions that caregivers and educators can take to help keep children safe include:
Keep matches and lighters out of reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.
Supervise children and keep them at least three feet away from ovens, grills, space heaters, microwaves, and anything that can burn.
Talk with children about fire safety.
Be a good example by always using fire sources safely.
Make sure babysitters know how to escape safely from your home in the event of a fire.
Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
Check smoke alarms once a month by pushing the “test” button.
Replace batteries in smoke alarms once a year, and immediately if an alarm chirps.
Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do if they hear one.
Consider getting and teaching children how to use escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Store near the windows.
Further Resources
For these seeking further information on fire safety, check out these offerings from Pennsylvania’s PD Registry and other resources.
DHS Fire Safety 2026, PD Registry
Fire Safety (September 5), PD Registry
Fire Safety for Kids, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Fire Safety Requirements for Certified Child Care Facilities Released, ELRC Region 5
Fire Safety Programs, City of Pittsburgh