Back to School with Fire Safety Basics

With the back-to-school season upon us, students of all ages could use a refresher on fire safety—and we’re here to help.

Take a look below for a few simple tips on fire safety, then pass them onto the student in your life!

Stop, drop, and roll

“Stop, drop, and roll” is the fire safety principle so fundamental that your children will probably be learning it in school this year… that is, if they haven’t already!

Now is a good time for a refresher on this effortlessly simple idea, which covers what to do in the event that you catch on fire. People should stop moving, get on the ground, and roll around on the ground to effectively “smother” the flames and extinguish them due to the lack of oxygen. You can also cover your face in the process to keep away flames.

Always keep calm

A calm response to emergencies is always smart—in and out of school, and in every kind of emergency. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association notes that “order is more important than speed” when performing a fire drill and, thus, preparing for the event of a real fire. Staying calm will help even large families or groups of students get out safely without missing important steps.

Get to know emergency exits

Just as your child will learn about emergency routes and exits at school, they can do the same at home, too. Help show them the best route to take in case of an emergency at home and instruct them where to meet you once safely outside.

Check for necessary equipment

For students who may be living on their own for the first time, checking for necessary equipment is a must-do step upon moving in. A fire extinguisher and working smoke detector are, of course, as important as the right furniture or décor scheme… in fact, they’re even more so!

Follow dorm regulations

For students living in a dorm setting, their building probably has lots of regulations in place as to what they can and can’t have in their rooms. At the top of a great many dorms’ prohibited lists? Candles, of course, as well as other portable heating elements. These items are best kept at home since improper use of them can be especially troublesome in communal settings like the dorm.

Students, parents, and everyone in between can benefit from these fire safety tips. We hope that they help make the season ahead a safer one!