Hot Dog Warns About the Dangers of Playing with Fire

Hi Friends!  On Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016, three of our own Firefighters were critically injured in a 4-alarm fire in the Bronx.  Fire Marshals later determined that the cause of the dangerous blaze was kids playing with fire on a stovetop.

Friends, it is VERY IMPORTANT to remember that fire is not to be played with.  It is dangerous and deadly and can grow out of control quickly.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, about 64 percent of fires involving play occurred in the home. Fires in the kitchen are the most common.    Did you know that cooking fires remain the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries?  Unattended cooking is one-third of these fires.  Read more about how to keep your kitchen fire safe here.

The best way to avoid fire is through promoting critical and life-saving fire safety education.  Here are some tips for adults on how to start the conversation about fire play:

• Grown ups, urge your child to avoid fire and never engage in fire play.  Teach your child about the importance of never touching lighters, matches, candles or other burning flames because it is easy to lose control.   Read more about staying away from these dangers here.

•  Tell your child to get away from anyone who plays with fire when he or she is nearby.  If another child is engaging in fire play, tell your kid to find an adult.

• If a fire does occur, talk to your kids about the importance of having an escape plan. Creating an escape plan and practicing it can help keep you and your family safe. Developing an easy to remember plan can help keep young children from harm.  Read more about creating an escape plan here.

Also remember, the FDNY provides many educational programs and resources for you to stay #FDNYSmart.  The FDNY’s Fire Safety Education Program continually educates the public with critical life-saving strategies that focus on fire prevention and critical life-safety skills. Fire deaths and accidents have dropped steadily during the past decade and studies show there is a direct link to strong public education programs. To learn more about our Fire Safety Education Program, click here.

The FDNY also has an innovative program called the Juvenile Fire Setting Program. If you or someone you know (up to the age of 12) is playing with fire or setting fires intentionally, the FDNY is here to help. The program offers both education and evaluation for kids. To find out more about the program, click here.

Don’t forget to check out our Flash Facts  to learn helpful and life saving tips to keep your family safe.  Plus be sure to follow us on Twitter!  You can find Hot Dog and Siren here.