TIPS
Don’t get caught without a kit!
Make an emergency supply kit and make sure everyone in the family knows where it is. We’ll tell you what to put inside.
Why are kids attracted to fire?
Understanding what goes on in your child’s mind can helpyou teach them to respect fire and how to stay safe around it.
Lighters are not playthings.
Some companies sell novelty lighters that can look like toys to kids. Keep them far away from where kids play. Better yet, don’t buy them at all.
There’s nothing romantic about burning curtains.
Always keep your candles at least 12 inches away from curtains and any other flammable household items.
Obey the 3-Feet Rule
Here’s a great way to know if your campfire is really out. When you put water on it, do you hear a hissing sound? If so, there are still some burning embers.
Stop the Chirping!
If a beeping smoke detector is keeping you up at night, replace the batteries. Never remove them, even temporarily. Chances are, you’ll forget to replace them later.
Children like to press buttons.
Remember, no lighter is totally child-proof. But some lighters are safer than others. Only choose quality lighters with a child- resistant mechanism.
Keep danger at arm’s length.
When lighting a grill, you want your hands and clothing as far away from the flame as possible. Use a multi-purpose lighter to increase your reach.
Always start with a good base.
When a candle burns all the way down, it can conduct heat to the surface it sits on. Always use a thick, nonflammable base and don’t let candles burn all the way down.
Education starts at home.
This site – and BIC’s play safe! be safe!® program are valuable teaching tools for kids. Continue their fire safety education at home.
Always have an exit plan.
Make sure your family knows how to get out of the house and where to meet up in an emergency.
Draw up a map. And practice your escape plan at least once a year.
Obey the 3-Feet Rule
Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from a grill. That includes napkins, tablecloths, dry leaves, brush – not to mention children and pets.
Change clocks. Change batteries.
Unless you have a sealed unit with long-life batteries, change disposable batteries at least twice a year. Like clockwork!
Lock up your lighters.
Don’t leave lighters out in the open. You don’t have to put them in a safe to be safe, but do put them in hard to reach places like upper cabinets or locking drawers.
Ketchup. BBQ Sauce.
Baking Soda? Yup, baking soda makes a great fire extinguisher. So keep a box by the grill. Right next to the hot sauce!