EC3 staff members are trained on emergency procedures when they are hired, and several update trainings are conducted for all staff each year. Last week classrooms took a “field trip” to our on-site evacuation area when we conducted a fire drill. We conduct drills on a regular basis so both the teachers and children can learn the route and be comfortable with the procedures. Everyone did great and the kids enjoyed seeing the entire school outside on the playground at once!
It is important that families complete drills at home as well! If there was a fire in your home, would your child know what to do?
Every day Americans experience the tragedy of fire. Each year more than 3,400 Americans die in fires and approximately 17,500 are injured. One of the major leading causes of residential building fire deaths and injuries for children under age 10 is “playing with a heat source” which includes lighters and matches. Children under age 10 account for 93 percent of deaths and 38 percent of injuries where the cause of the residential building fire was due to “playing with a heat source.”
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) encourages parents to teach children at an early age about the dangers of fire play in an effort to prevent child injuries, fire deaths, and fire-setting behavior in the future.
Below are some great links to information on how to teach children about fire safety and how to conduct fire drills in your own home.