Every day at least one child dies in a home fire. In that same day, 293 children suffer from a non-fatal, unintentional injury caused by a fire or burn. The message from Safe Kids Snohomish County is that it isn't enough to talk about fire safety with children. They need to practice it, as well. Children younger than age 7 are more vulnerable to smoke and flames in a fire; less likely to wake up if a smoke alarm sounds while they're sleeping and have a hard time escaping a burning home by themselves. Children under age 5 typically lack the motor skills and mental capabilities needed to quickly escape a burning building. But even children as young as age 3 can follow an escape plan if they have practiced it often. "Fire can spread rapidly through a home, leaving a family as little as two minutes to escape safely once the alarm sounds,GÇ¥ said Shawneri Guzman, Safe Kids Snohomish County Coordinator. "Along with a properly installed smoke alarm, parents should plan several escape routes out of their home and then designate a safe place to meet. Then practice with your kids so they know exactly what to do.GÇ¥ When children see smoke or fire, they may try to hide in a closet or under a bed. So, as soon as your children are old enough to understand, make sure they know the sound of the smoke alarm and what to do when they hear it. A voice-recordable smoke alarm to supplement the smoke alarms in your home might be a good idea. Children often will wake to the sound of your voice giving commands, rather than a beeping smoke alarm. Teach your children: " Not to hide from firefighters; " How to crawl low under smoke to reduce smoke inhalation; " How to touch closed doors to check for heat before opening; " Two ways out of every room; and " Where your family meeting place outside your home is. Download a Home Fire Escape Plan Worksheet by visiting www.providence.org/nw-safekids Safe Kids Snohomish County works to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the number one cause of death for children in the United States. Its members include local fire and police agencies, hospitals, child focused organizations, and more. Safe Kids Snohomish County is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. Safe Kids Snohomish County was founded in 1999 and is led by Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. For more information about fire safety for children and families, as well as helpful tips and videos, call (425) 261-3047 or visit www.safekids.org.
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