Children

It's natural for children to be attracted by the warmth and light of fire. But every year, homes are destroyed and lives are lost in fires started by children - accidentally and deliberately.

Tell children how dangerous and destructive fire can be. They won't know how fast fire can spread, or how quickly it can become uncontrollable. They won't know that breathing toxic smoke makes you lose consciousness and can kill.

• encourage children to tell you if they find matches or lighters
• let them see you being careful about fire risks
• warn older children about the risks of fire from smoking. Even if they don't smoke, they may go to parties with people who do
• hoax calls to the fire brigade put lives in danger. Teach children that it's completely wrong to call 999 for fun

Some children can become dangerously obsessed with fires. If you know children who you think may be lighting fires deliberately, call Tayside Fire and Rescue Service, but don't dial 999. Specially trained staff will visit the child to give advice and education.

Rules for children

• tell a grown-up if you find matches or lighters lying around
• practise what you'd do if your clothes catch fire. Stop, don't run. Drop to the floor and roll to put out the flames. If someone else's clothes catch fire, use a blanket, a rug or a thick coat to help put out the flames

Don't

• play with matches or lighters
• play with a lighted candle
• play close to a fire or heater
• pull on electric cables, or play with electrical appliances or sockets
• switch on the cooker
• put anything on top of the cooker
• put things on top of heaters or lights

Kids Zone

Welephant	Fireman Sam	Broons and Oor Wullie
	Blaze Aware