Children’s Safety

Importance of Child Safety

One of the major leading causes of residential building fire deaths and injuries for children under 10 is “playing with a heat source” such as lighters and matches. Preschoolers and kindergartners are most likely to start these fires, typically by playing with matches and lighters, and are most likely to die from them.

Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue encourages parents and older siblings to teach children at an early age about the dangers of fire play in effort to prevent child injuries, fire deaths, and fire setting behavior in the future.

Safety Tips

  • Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, up high, preferably in a locked cabinet.
  • Never use lighters or matches as a source of amusement for children, they may imitate you.
  • If your child expresses curiosity about fire or has been playing with fire, calmly but firmly explain that matches and lighters are tools for adults only.
  • Use only lighters designed with child-resistant features. Remember: child-resistant does not mean child proof.
  • Teach young children and school-age children to tell an adult if they see matches or lighters.
  • Never leave matches or lighters in a bedroom or any place where children may go without supervision.
  • If you suspect your child is intentionally setting fires or unduly fascinated with fire, get help. Your local fire department, school, or community counseling agency can put you in touch with trained experts.

Just for Kids

The following link is geared toward fun interactive activities and games that you and children can enjoy together while learning valuable fire safety messages: