Talking Home Fire with Your Kids

About a month ago I shared with you Gray’s latest question, “What happens if our house catches on fire?”, and how we handled it. At the end of the post, I mentioned that in my research I found an exhibit sponsored by Liberty Mutual at Walt Disney World's Epcot that uses a hands-on method to teach kids fire safety. As luck would have it, we had the chance to visit that exhibit two weeks ago.

This thing was done in typical Disney fashion -- top-notch all the way. First, Gray and I did a timed fire safety quiz on a touch-screen monitor while waiting in line in front of the ‘house’.



Just a few short minutes later, we were paired up in the “Where’s the Fire?” game. We both had flashlights and searched six rooms of the house to find and eliminate fire hazards.



After the game, the kids went over to a miniature house where a Disney Team Member put them through different home fire scenarios.



Gray learned a few things but more importantly I learned a few things too. Here they are:
• We’ve talked about what to do and walked through it should we have a fire, but we’ve not had home fire drills. The folks at the exhibit stressed the importance of home fire drills – even at night.
• Make sure your kids can unlock the doors and windows and open them. Even have them climb out a window or two for practice.
• Set a designated meeting place outside for your family.

We're going to continue working on fire safety in our home. Here’s a link to the U.S. Fire Administration for Kids website. There’s lots of terrific information on home fire safety along with great information for your kids. We hope you find it helpful.

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/kids/flash.shtm