Burn Awareness Week is Feb. 5-12

As Burn Awareness Week 2017 takes place from Sunday, Feb. 5, to Sunday, Feb. 12, local fire departments and the Delaware State Fire School ask that members of the public think about the effects of fire on children under the age of 5. They are the most vulnerable population. Youth fire setters cause hundreds of deaths and injuries each year. Preschoolers and kindergarten-age children are most likely to start these fires, typically through their curiosity with matches and lighters.

The National Fire Protection Association offers some suggestions regarding the relationship between children and fire:

• Children experience fire interest. They may ask questions such as how hot is fire or show an interest in fire through playing with fire trucks or cooking on a play stove. This is healthy, and it is a good time to begin educating about fire.
• Fire starting happens when children begin to experiment with fire using matches and lighters. Many fires happen when young children are left alone, even for a short period of time, and have access to matches and lighters. Parents must have clear rules and consequences about fire misuse.
• Grown-ups can help keep fire out of the hands of children.
• Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, up high, preferably in a locked cabinet or container.
• Never leave matches or lighters in a bedroom or any place where children may go without supervision.
• Teach young children and school-age children to tell a grown-up if they see matches or lighters. Children need to understand that fire is difficult to control, it is fast and it can hurt as soon as it touches a person.
• A child with an interest in fire can lead to fire starting and result in repeated fire-setting behavior.
• It is important for grownups to discourage unsupervised fire starting.
• Lighters or matches should never be used as a source of amusement for children; they may imitate the adults doing so.
• A young child should never be assigned any tasks that involve the use of a lighter or matches, such as lighting candles or bringing a lighter to an adult to light a cigarette or the fireplace.
• If a child expresses curiosity about fire or has been playing with fire, the adult must calmly but firmly explain that matches and lighters are tools for adults only.
• Only lighters designed with child-resistant features should be used.

For more information, Mike Lowe, Delaware State Fire School senior instructor, at 302-739-4773. Those with a concern regarding the behavior of a child in relation to fire should contact the Delaware Fire Marshal's Office at 302-856-5298.