eeping your young children safe can seem like a daunting task for parents and carers. Children are especially at risk from fire as they can be fascinated by it without understanding the consequences, but here are some simple tips for keeping you and your family protected from fire.


Home safety K


In the kitchen


Over half of house fires in Cambridgeshire begin in the kitchen, so these are especially dangerous places for young children. Take these simple steps to protect your children in the kitchen:


• Avoid using the front of the hob when small children are around.


• Always keep saucepan handles facing inwards so that children do not accidentally knock them off.


• Do not leave your young children in the kitchen unsupervised.


• Unattended food cooking is a common cause of kitchen fires so if you are called away when cooking, turn the cooker or appliance off until you return.


Children and matches


Every year in Cambridgeshire devastating house fires are caused by children playing with matches or lighters. Children as young as two can operate lighters, and children aged three and four are especially likely to play with fire.


Reduce the risk


• Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.


• Do not buy novelty lighters. These are even more appealing to young children.


• Use child resistant lighters. However, remember that these are child resistant, not childproof. They can still be operated by a child.


Small Steps 10 Plan an escape route


If a fire occurs at night it may be difficult to see where you are going. Planning an escape route will help you and your family to escape quicker, and every second counts in a fire.


• Discuss the escape route with your children and make sure everyone in the family knows what to do. Practice your escape route as a family.


• Do not leave things in the way of the escape route which you may trip over in the dark. Think about what to do if your escape route is blocked.


• Keep keys where everyone can find them, including children and baby-sitters.


What to do if a fire breaks out The most important thing to remember is to get out, stay out and dial 999.


• Never try to tackle the fire yourself and do not attempt to go back to rescue possessions or pets, leave that to the firefighters.


• Make sure your children know they should try to escape as soon as they see a fire, and should not hide.


• If escape is not possible, go to a room with a window, shut the door, place a towel under the door to stop smoke getting in, and shout for help from the window.


For more fire safety advice visit www.cambsfire.gov.uk


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