Question:
I am a fire fighter/paramedic. More importantly, I am a dad. I have been reading this website for some time now and you sound like a great bunch of people who are really interested in the well being of their children. From my point of view, it is refreshing to see. Anyway, today is the last day of National Fire Prevention Week. I have spent the better part of the week teaching approx. 500 children from K-5 how to protect themselves from fire. I am sure the fire departments where you live have been doing the same. Please do the fire service a favor and reinforce these lessons at home. If your child did not recieve any type of fire safety education this week, here are some things you can do: 1. Teach them how to dial 9-1-1, and provide adequate information. 2. Teach them how to STOP, DROP, and ROLL. 3. Practice EDITH (Escape Drills in the Home) Know two ways out of the house in case of an emergency. And finally, please change the batteries in your smoke detectors. If you have any questions, your local fire department can help you. That's what we are here for.

Answer: Or if you're British, contact your local Fire and Rescue Service and ask to speak to a Fire Prevention Officer. Ask their advice - better still, arrange a trip for your child's school or playgroup to visit a local fire-station. A new innovation recently is to let them experience a "fire" by use of a specially adapted trailer that fills with "smoke". The smoke box is great fun for the kids, and leaves an indelible impression on them about fire safety. Older children can be taught how to use fire extinguishers and even visit the control room and younger children can meet Fireman Sam, in person. It's easy to arrange - just give your local Fire Prevention Officer a ring.