22804 JFM Educators Guide Layout

The Hartford’s Junior Fire Marshal® Program www.thehartford.com/jfm

BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE

Teaching Fire Safety and Prevention TEACHING FIRE SAFETY: Introduction to the Educators’ Guide and the Junior Fire Marshal Program®

Thank you for your commitment to teaching fire safety to our nation’s children. Education plays an important role in reducing the number of fire-related injuries and deaths.

The Hartford’s Junior Fire Marshal program empowers children by giving them the tools they need to take an active role in reducing risk in their homes and communities.

This guide is organized into two sections. The first, Fire Safety: Causes and Prevention, identifies common fire risks, such as smoking and cooking, and offers strategies for reducing those risks. The second section, Fire Safety: Preparing for and Reacting to an Emergency, provides children with information on what to do if they are confronted by a hazardous situation. Each lesson includes an objective, supporting information and one or two activities. The program is designed for children in kindergarten through 3rd grade.

For nearly 200 years, The Hartford has helped families remain safe and secure. It is for this reason that the Junior Fire Marshal Program was created in 1947 to teach children the basics of personal fire safety and give families the information they need to be prepared in a fire emergency. The program helps educators and parents share fire safety and prevention tips with children in an easy, engaging way.

You can also find additional resources at www.thehartford.com/jfm BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduction Teaching Fire Safety to Children ...... 3

II. Fire Safety: Causes and Prevention Fire and burn prevention means that action is taken to stop the fire or injury from occurring in the first place. Knowledge is power when it comes to prevention! Smoke Alarms ...... 5

Candles ...... 6

Matches & Lighters ...... 7

Cooking ...... 8

Smoking ...... 9

Portable Space Heaters ...... 10

III. Fire Safety: Preparing for and Reacting to an Emergency Even with the best prevention, fires can still occur. Knowing what to do when a fire breaks out is the best defense. Family Escape Plan ...... 12

Two Ways Out ...... 13

If Your Clothes Catch on Fire ...... 14

If Your Room or House is on Fire ...... 15

If You Can’t Get Out ...... 16

1 BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE

I. Introduction

II. Fire Safety: Causes & Prevention

III. Fire Safety: Preparing for & Reacting to an Emergency

2 BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE I. INTRODUCTION

Teaching Fire Safety to Children The purpose of the Junior Fire Marshal program is to teach children that the best firefighter is one who prevents a fire from occurring. If a fire does occur, however, they must know to respond quickly and in a way that will minimize their chance of being harmed.

Some Facts to Introduce Fire Safety Some Facts for Teachers to Note About to Children Fire Safety • Fires need three things to get started and burn: • Children “playing” with fire start 40,000 home Oxygen, fuel and a heat source to ignite the fuel. fires every year.1

• Many children know that fire is hot and can hurt • Every 20 seconds a fire department responds them. But smoke can be equally harmful. Breathing to a fire somewhere in the U.S.1 smoke makes people very sick and can even kill them. • Four out of five U.S. fire fatalities in 2005 occurred • Smoke from a fire spreads quickly and can be in homes.1 extremely hazardous. Most people harmed in fires suffer from injuries related to the smoke or toxic 1 National Fire Protection Association, Fast Facts About Fire, gases they inhale, rather than from being burned Updated November 2006 by the fire itself.

3 BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE

I. Introduction

II. Fire Safety: Causes & Prevention

III. Fire Safety: Preparing for & Reacting to an Emergency

4 BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE II. FIRE SAFETY: CAUSES & PREVENTION

Smoke Alarms Objective: Children will learn the importance of working smoke alarms.

Supporting Information • A smoke alarm is one of the most effective ways to reduce fire related injuries. Activities • About 20 percent, or one out of five homes, Activity #1 do not have a working smoke alarm in place.1 Bring in a new battery powered smoke alarm. In an • Most fatal fires occur in homes without a working open area like the gymnasium or a playground, smoke alarm. demonstrate what the alarm sounds like by pushing the test button. • A smoke alarm “sniffs” for smoke and sounds an alarm. Activity #2 Select a day for children to check on the number and • Every house and apartment must have at least location of fire alarms in their home. For homework, one smoke alarm. ask each child to write down the results in their • There should be an alarm on every level of the notebook, and have a parent or guardian verify the home especially outside the bedrooms.2 information with their signature.

• Adults should test the smoke alarms each month.2

• Smoke alarm batteries must be replaced on a regular basis. They should never be removed for any purpose except replacement.2

1 The Public/Private Fire Safety Council, White Paper, 2006

2 U.S Fire Administration Quick Response Program, Smoke Alarms Fact Sheet, (undated)

5 BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE II. FIRE SAFETY: CAUSES & PREVENTION

Candles Objective: Children will learn that a candle flame and melted candle wax is hot and will burn them; that a candle can ignite a fire if it comes into contact with a curtain, papers or any other common household item; and that candles should never be left unattended.

Supporting Information Activities • Most candle fires occur on Christmas Day, followed Activity #1 by Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.1 Bring in a candle to the classroom. • Only adults should light, carry and extinguish Do not light it. candles, never children. • Using a piece of • Candles should never be left unattended. If an adult lightweight cloth to is leaving the room, he or she should extinguish simulate a curtain, hold the candle. it near the candle (but not • Candles should never be placed near a window with over it). Have a group of children then blow on the curtains. A breeze could blow the curtains into the cloth to move it over the candle to simulate the wind candle's flame causing them to catch on fire. blowing a curtain over a candle.

• The melted wax in a candle is hot and will cause • Explain how a lit candle could catch the curtain burns. Never touch or play with the melted wax. on fire.

• Candles can be knocked over by a pet or a person. Activity #2 They should always be placed out of reach of Have the children make paper “flames” out of children and animals. construction paper and then, using tape, have them put them on objects in the room that might easily • Candles should always be placed in very stable be ignited by a candle. containers.

1 National Fire Protection Association, Fact Sheets, Candles

6 BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE II. FIRE SAFETY: CAUSES & PREVENTION

Matches & Lighters Objective: Many children are curious about fire. Teaching them that matches and lighters are tools for adult use only can help to minimize their interest in playing with these dangerous items.

Supporting Information Activities • Children “playing” with fire start 40,000 home fires Activity #1 every year.1 Have children identify on the • Matches and lighters are tools for adults to use, worksheet which not toys for children to play with. objects are safe • Children should tell an adult if they find matches or and which are not. a lighter. Ask children to draw an X through unsafe objects and circle safe objects. • If a child sees another child playing with matches (JFM Activity Sheet #2) or a lighter, he or she should immediately walk away and tell an adult. Activity #2 Have children role-play what they would do if they • If a child starts a fire, he or she should immediately saw a child playing with matches. Model the correct tell someone. Explain that getting in trouble is a lot behavior. better than burning down your home and injuring other people.

1 National Fire Protection Association, Fast Facts About Fire, Updated November 2006

7 BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE II. FIRE SAFETY: CAUSES & PREVENTION

Cooking Objective: Students will learn about the many ways stoves, cooking and hot foods can be hazardous. They will learn how to recognize hazards and minimize risks.

Supporting Information Activities • Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home Activity #1 cooking fires.1 Have the children cut out several large (about 10”) circles using red paper to simulate stove-top burners. • All pot handles should be turned toward the center Using several pots, set them on a desk with the of the stove to ensure they aren’t knocked off by handles turned out. On another desk, have them set accident. up with the handles turned in. Ask the children which • Objects left on the stove, such as grocery bags or ones are safe and which ones are not, and why. papers, can be set on fire by a hot burner. Do not let them turn the handles in themselves but • A stove can burn children; leave the cooking have them ask an adult to do it. to the adults.

• Children should never carry hot food or liquids. Activity #2 Leave one desk set up as a “stove” for the day. Mark a Danger Zone of approximately 3 feet around the desks using masking tape on the floor. Have the children stay out of the Danger Zone and have them look out for each other throughout the day.

8 BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE II. FIRE SAFETY: CAUSES & PREVENTION

Smoking Objective: Children will learn about the fire hazards posed by adults smoking in their homes, and actions they can take to avert potential fires.

Supporting Information Activities • Careless disposal of smoking materials is the leading Activity #1 cause of home fire deaths.1 Have children verbally identify • If an adult carelessly discards a cigarette or leaves a unsafe activities cigarette unattended, it can start a fire. relating to smoking, • A lit cigarette discarded into the trash bin may set such as: the garbage inside on fire. That is why cigarettes • Smoking in bed should be run under water before being put into the trash. • Leaving a unattended cigarette burning

• Children should remind parents that ashtrays should • Discarding a cigarette or emptying an astray into be placed on a table, never on furniture or a bed. the trash without dousing with water A lit cigarette that rolls down into a seat cushion can • Leaving ashtrays on beds, chairs or sofas set the furniture on fire. • Tossing a lit cigarette from a car • Children should never touch matches or lighters. Explain why these actions are dangerous based on

1 National Fire Protection Association, Risk of Home Structure Fire the supporting information. and Related Casualty, Revised April 2006

9 BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE II. FIRE SAFETY: CAUSES & PREVENTION

Portable Space Heaters Objective: Children will learn that space heaters pose a number of hazards, including tipping, which can start a fire; contact burns; and electrical fires caused by overloaded, frayed or defective cords and outlets.

Supporting Information Activities • Heating equipment is the second leading cause of Activity #1 home fires and home fire deaths.1 Set up a desk as a “heater” for the day. Mark a Danger Zone of approximately 3 feet around the desks using • Clothes, bedding and other household items should masking tape on the floor. Have the children stay out be at least three feet away from portable heaters.2 of the Danger Zone and have them look out for each • Only adults should plug in or move a heater. other throughout the day.

• Heaters should always have an automatic shut-off Activity #2 function in case they tip over. Have children review the many ways portable space heaters can be hazardous. • Many fires are caused by frayed cords and overloaded outlets.

1 Ahrens, Marty An Overview of the U.S. Fire Problem National Fire Protection Association, (undated)

2 U.S Fire Administration Quick Response Program, Preventing Bedroom Fires Fact Sheet, (undated)

10 BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE

I. Introduction

II. Fire Safety: Causes & Prevention

III. Fire Safety: Preparing for & Reacting to an Emergency

11 BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE III. FIRE SAFETY: PREPARING FOR AND REACTING TO AN EMERGENCY

Family Escape Plan Objective: Students will learn that every family must have and practice an escape plan.

Supporting Information • A family escape plan is key to making sure everyone knows how to react and get out if a fire or emergency should occur.

• Every family should have a plan.

• Families should practice their plan several times a year.

• The plan should include a meeting place outside of the home. A family meeting place ensures all members can be accounted for. Activities • The first priority is to get out. Don’t stop for toys Activity #1 or pets. Send home information about the importance of • Know two ways out of every room as well as the having a family escape plan. Depending on the age house or apartment. of the children, ask them to draw/map out a family escape plan. • Actually walk the entire route to make sure everyone knows it and that there aren’t things in your way. Will you still be able to get out in the winter with snow?

• Once out, stay out. Never go back in for any reason.

• If you have security bars on your windows, know how to open them quickly from the inside to get out.

12 BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE III. FIRE SAFETY: PREPARING FOR AND REACTING TO AN EMERGENCY

Two Ways Out Objective: Children will learn that they must always identify two exits at home, in school, in theaters and other public places.

Supporting Information Activities • Everyone should be aware of two ways out at Activity #1 home, in the classroom, in restaurants, theaters and Have the students review and write down the two anywhere else. ways out of their room and/or house or apartment.

• By knowing in advance where the exits are, children Activity #2 can react more quickly and safely in an emergency. Identify two exits out of the classroom. Show the • The easiest way to find “two ways out” in a public students the EXIT sign so they become familiar with place is to look for EXIT signs. what it looks like and means.

Activity #3 You can never have too much preparation when it comes to fire safety. If your school’s evacuation drill typically uses your primary exits, have just your class (not the whole school) practice walking out the second exit from the classroom and out the second exit from the building.

13 BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE III. FIRE SAFETY: PREPARING FOR AND REACTING TO AN EMERGENCY

If Your Clothes Catch on Fire Objective: Children will learn to react quickly to extinguish flames on their clothing.

Supporting Information Activities • Fire needs air to breathe. Activity #1 Have the students draw and cut out flames from felt • Running only gives the flames more oxygen. that they can then put on their clothing to simulate fire. • Smothering the flames helps to put out fire. With enough space around each child, have them call • Quickly extinguishing the flames can prevent more out STOP (freeze), then DROP (they drop down and serious and extensive injuries. lie on the floor) and ROLL (they roll back and forth, completely over, smothering the flames.) • STOP, DROP and ROLL is very effective in putting out flames. Activity #2 Have the children complete the “unscramble” word- game activity sheet with the words stop, drop and roll and pictures illustrating each action. (JFM Activity Sheet #4)

STOP DROP ROLL

1. Stop. Don’t run. Movement 2. Drop down on the ground 3. Roll over and over to put adds air that makes the fire or floor. out fire grow larger.

14 BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE III. FIRE SAFETY: PREPARING FOR AND REACTING TO AN EMERGENCY

If Your Room or House Catch on Fire Objective: Students will know specific steps to take in the event of an actual fire.

Supporting Information Activities • Always take action when the smoke alarm sounds. Activity #1 Get out now. Have the children complete the “Go Low in Smoke and Get Outside” activity sheet. (JFM Activity Sheet #3) • This is the time to use your family escape plan and meeting place. Leave quickly and don’t stop or go Activity #2 back in for anything. Bring in a new battery powered smoke alarm. A smoke • If the door is closed, check the doorknob and door alarm makes a sound that means “get out now.” with the back of your hand to see if they’re hot. If the doorknob or door is hot, use your second exit. This activity can be noisy and a little exciting for children, therefore it might be beneficial to work with • If the door isn’t hot, open it slowly. If there is smoke another adult (such as a gym teacher) as a monitor. outside, crawl low where the air is cooler and clearer. One adult can push the button on the smoke alarm, If it is too smoky to see, close the door and use your and one adult can "get out now" by leading the second exit if possible. children through the exit. Make sure to conduct this drill in an area that will not disrupt other school • If both exits are blocked children should know what activities. to do next. More information can be found on page 16.

• Once you’ve gotten out, go to the family meeting place.

12 34 56

15 BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE III. Fire Safety: Preparing for and Reacting to an Emergency

If You Can’t Get Out Students will learn that fleeing is not always the best course of action. Staying and waiting to be rescued may be the better option.

Supporting Information Activities • If the smoke in your exit is too thick for you to crawl Activity #1 through then abandon this exit. It is too dangerous Have the for you to use safely. children take turns acting out • If it’s impossible to escape, close the door. This will being trapped help to stop the spread of smoke and fire into in the classroom. the room. Take them though the • Go to the window if it is safe. Open it if you know suggested procedure for what to do. how.

• Wave, yell, scream, get attention for someone to help you.

• If there is a phone in the room, use it to call 911.

• Wait for help.

• Do not hide under your bed or in the closet. Firefighters need to be able to find you!

• Firefighters can go into a burning building because they wear special clothes to protect them and equipment so they can breathe and see.

16 BE FIRE SAFE EDUCATORS’ GUIDE

Notes

The guide was written in conjunction with Ed Comeau of writer-tech.com and the People's Burn Foundation of Indianapolis. www.writer-tech.com

17 The Hartford’s Junior Fire Marshal® Program

Additional fire safety information, downloads and activities can be found by visiting: www.thehartford.com/jfm