FIRESETTING MYTHS

"Children playing with fire is a natural part of growing up."

  It is never okay for children to play with fire for any reason.

 "If I punish him, he will stop playing with fire."

  Punishing a child may force the child into hiding in a closet or under a bed to start a fire.

 "Its a phase that he will grow out of."

It is not a phase. Seventy-five percent of children who set fires and don't receive treatment will set fires again.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

TEACH YOUR CHILD ABOUT FIRE

·           Fire is a tool not a toy!

·           Fire is dangerous it can kill!

·           All fires, even small ones, spread quickly.

·           Keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of children; even a 
  2-year old can operate a cigarette lighter.

·           Never leave stoves or burning candles unattended.

·           Teach children to bring to your attention any matches or lighters
   they find.

SET A GOOD EXAMPLE

·           Install and maintain smoke alarms and fire
  extinguishers.

·           Plan and practice fire escape drills in your home.

·           Regularly inspect your home for fire hazards.

THINK YOU KNOW A FIRESTARTER?

If you feel you or your child needs to learn more about the dangers of playing with fire, call the F.A.C.E. the Facts hotline below.

Call: 419-251-2142

EDUCATION CAN SAVE LIVES!

 "Northwest Ohio's firefighters and local businesses helping our community's burned children."

F.A.C.E. the Facts website: 

http://www.acbcnorthwestohio.org/wst_page2.html