Teaching Children to Be #FDNYSmart

Dear Friends,

It’s a heartbreaking day in New York City.

Last night, 12 people, including a one-year-old child, died in a fire that we now know was caused by a child playing with fire.

This was the worst fire tragedy in decades. In addition to the loss of life, the fire also caused critical injuries and damaged homes and property.

Friends, Fire is NOT a toy. It is extremely dangerous and can cause extensive damage. Children seem to have a natural curiosity about fire and want to know what it looks and feels like. Statistics show thousands of fires are caused each year by children playing with matches, lighters or candles.

The FDNY is committed to keeping you and your loved ones fire safe.

It is critical for grown-ups to talk to young people about ways to stay #FDNYSmart.

Below are some tips to follow to keep you and your loved ones safe.

• NEVER play with matches, lighters and candles.  Share this tip with your brothers, sisters, friends and loved ones.
• Tell grown-ups to store lighters and matches in a place you can’t reach or in a locked cabinet or drawer.
• Play a fun game with adults in your home and gather up all the matches and lighters and put them in a safe place.
•  Talk with grown-ups about fire safety.  NEVER handle fire without an adult present.
•  Do not stay in a room alone with a lit candle, lighter or matches.

You can read more fire safety tips here. Read this with your grown-up and talk about ways to stay safe.

The FDNY is also urging grown-ups to watch children who may have an unhealthy curiosity for fire. 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 Juvenile Fire-Setters Intervention Program is headed by specially trained FDNY Fire Marshals who will evaluate and educate children who have engaged in fire play. To find out more click here.

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

So remember friends, it is NEVER a good idea to play with fire. It is important to educate yourself and loved ones about the importance of fire safety and prevention. Check out our PSA here.

For more tips on how to keep you and your loved ones fire safe, read up on our Flash Facts.

Also, for more safety tips, you can follow Siren and Hot Dog on Twitter.

Please be #FDNYSmart, my friends. Let’s keep this from happening again.

Sincerely,

Hot Dog