Information for Parents

Strathclyde Fire & Rescue recognise the role that parents and other adults have in keeping our children safe from fire.  The following information will assist you to provide the child that you care for with accurate advice, that could one day be life saving.

Keep your child safe around fire:

• Never leave a child alone in a room where there is a candle burning, an open fire heater, or in the kitchen when the cooker is on
• Use fixed guards around open fires and heaters when there are children around
• Explain to the child that fire is a tool, not a toy, and talk about the different ways that adults make use of this tool e.g. candles for light, coal fires for heat, etc.
• Explain to the child that fire can hurt or even kill
• Keep outbuildings, garden sheds and garages locked to prevent access to flammable items
• Try to keep the home free of combustible items such as newspapers and cardboard
• Ensure that you have a fire action plan and practice it so that everyone in the house knows what to do in the event of a fire. If a fire does occur, get everyone out and call the Fire Services

If you have concerns about your child's attitude to fire setting:

• Remove all access to matches and lighters from the child
• Check the child's room and school bag for matches and lighters
• Carry out regular checks for signs of fire setting behaviour, such as burn marks on carpets, beds, furniture, clothing, etc, especially in the child's room
• In any home containing a suspected fire setter, every room with the exception of the bathroom and kitchen should have a smoke alarm fitted. Each alarm should be tested weekly and the battery replaced once a year.

For further advice and support please contact your local Community Fire Station by going to your area.