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KIDS AND FIRE:

A BAD MATCH

Children are one of the highest riskgroups for deaths in residential fires.At home, children usually play withfire - lighters, matches and other ignita-bles - in bedrooms, in closets, andunder beds. These are secret placeswhere there are a lot of things thatcatch fire easily.

s Children of all ages setover 100,000 firesannually. Over 30%of fires that kill chil-dren are set by chil-dren playing with fire.

s Every year over 800children nine years andyounger die in home fires.

s Keep matches and lighters locked up

and away from children. Checkunder beds and in closets for burntmatches, evidence your child may beplaying with matches.

s Teach your child that fire is a tool,not a toy.

APPLIANCES NEED

SPECIAL ATTENTION

Bedrooms are the most common roomin the home where electrical fires start.Electrical fires are a special concernduring winter months which call formore indoor activities and increases inlighting, heating, and appliance use.

s Do not trap electric cords againstwalls where heat can build up.

s Take extra care when using portableheaters. Keep bedding, clothes, cur-tains and other combustible items atleast three feet away from spaceheaters.

s Only use lab-approved electric blan-kets and warmers. Check to makesure the cords are not frayed.

TUCK YOURSELF IN FOR

A SAFE SLEEP

s Never smoke in bed.

s Replace mattresses made before the1973 Federal Mattress FlammabilityStandard. Mattresses made sincethen are required by law to be safer.

Finally, having working smoke alarms

dramatically increases your chances ofsurviving a fire. Place at least onesmoke alarm on each level of yourhome and in halls outside bedrooms.And remember to practice a homeescape plan frequently with your family.

For More Information Contact:

The United States Fire Administration

Office of Fire Management Programs16825 South Seton AvenueEmmitsburg, MD 21727

Or visit the USFA website:www.usfa.fema.gov

Bedroom Fire Safety Helps You Sleep Sound at NightA Factsheet on Bedroom Fire Prevention

STOPSFIR

E

WITHY

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EEach year, fire claims the lives of 5,000 Americans and injures more than 25,000.

Bedrooms are a common area of fire origin. Nearly 1,000 lives are lost to fires that startin bedrooms. Many of these fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical

devices, such as overloading extension cords or using portable space heaters too close to com-bustibles. Many other bedroom fires are caused by children who play with matches andlighters, careless smoking among adults, and arson.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the Sleep Products Safety Council (SPSC)would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life andproperty resulting from bedroom fires.

A USFA Public-Private PartnershipMarch, 1998

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