Teaching fire safety to kids is crucial, and it’s important to tailor the information to their age and developmental level. Here are age-appropriate fire safety topics for different age ranges

Preschool (Ages 3-5):

1. Stop, Drop, and Roll: Teach them the basics of what to do if their clothes catch fire. Encourage them to practice the motion.
2. Stay Away from Matches and Lighters: Explain that only adults should handle matches and lighters and that they are not toys.
3. Crawl Low Under Smoke: Explain that smoke rises, and they should practice crawling on their hands and knees if there is smoke in the house.
4. Emergency Numbers: Teach them how to dial 911 and when to use it.

Early Elementary (Ages 6-9):

1. Exit Routes: Teach them how to identify and plan escape routes from different rooms in the house.
2. Testing Smoke Alarms: Show them how smoke alarms work and explain the importance of testing them regularly.
3. Kitchen Safety: Discuss safe behavior in the kitchen, like not touching hot stoves and how to respond if there’s a cooking fire.
4. Fire Drills: Practice fire drills at home so they know what to do in case of a fire. Emphasize the importance of staying outside and not going back inside for anything.

Late Elementary (Ages 10-12):

1. Fire Extinguishers: Explain how fire extinguishers work and when and how to use them safely.
2. Responsibilities in an Emergency: Teach them how to assist younger siblings or family members during a fire and where to meet outside.
3. Burn First Aid: Discuss basic first-aid for burns and how to cool a burn with running cool water.
4. Fire Safety in Public Places: Talk about what to do if they encounter a fire in a public place like a school or shopping mall.

Teenagers (Ages 13-18):

1. Advanced Fire Extinguisher Use: Provide more detailed instruction on using fire extinguishers effectively.
2. Escape Ladders: If you have a multi-story home, discuss how to use escape ladders and where they are located.
3. Cooking Safety: Discuss safe cooking practices and what to do in case of a kitchen fire, including using a fire blanket or pot lid to smother flames.
4. Electrical Safety: Talk about the hazards of overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, and safe use of electrical appliances.
5. Fire Safety in College/Off-Campus Housing: If applicable, provide guidance on fire safety in dorms or off-campus housing, including knowing escape routes and fire alarm systems.
6. Responsibility as a Babysitter: If they are babysitters, teach them how to handle fire safety when caring for younger children.

Remember that repetition and practice are essential at all age levels. Regularly review and reinforce these fire safety topics to ensure that kids develop a strong understanding of how to respond in case of a fire emergency.