Having calm, age-appropriate conversations with your children about fire is one of the most important things you can do to keep them safe. We know it might feel a bit daunting, but the more your child understands, the more confident and prepared they’ll be. 

For children under five, keep it simple and clear. You don’t need to go into scary details- just focus on helping them feel safe and know what to do. As they get older, it’s useful to explain why these safety rules matter. 

You may need to repeat these conversations a few times -children learn through repetition, and fire safety is no different. 

Kids having fun together

Fire Safety Messages to Share with Your Kids

 Here are some key messages to share: 

  • Keep toys away from fires or heaters.
  • Don’t pull on plugs, cables, or touch sockets or appliances.
  • Never touch the cooker or put anything on top of it.
  • Stay away from hot pans and saucepans. 
  • Never play with matches, lighters, or candles. If they see any, they should tell a grown-up right away. 

    To help younger children remember, try this simple rhyme:

    “Matches, lighters, never touch – they can hurt you very much!”

Will a Child Wake Up to a Smoke Alarm?

Research conducted in 2017 found that a smoke alarm would not wake the large majority of children. However, it is unlikely that a young child would be sleeping alone in a house, so an adult would hear the alarm and wake the child. 

Children may be frightened by the sound of a smoke alarm – particularly if they have additional needs.  

We recommend that when you do your smoke alarm testing, you also practise your escape plan with your child. This will help them to get used to the sound and also stay calm and know exactly what to do.  

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Practising Your Fire Escape Plan Together

It’s vital that everyone in your home, kids included knows exactly what to do in case of fire. The best way to do this is to make a family fire escape plan and practise it together. 

 Here’s how: 

  • Talk through your plan in a calm and reassuring way. 
  • Let children help you make the plan – they’ll feel more confident if they’ve had a say. 
  • Practise getting out together during the day and at night, when the house is darker. 
  • Keep things calm and make it feel like a team activity. 

 Read more about evacuation plans. 

We’re Here to Help

Looking for more helpful tips, engaging videos, or fun activities for kids and teens?
Visit our Children and Young People section to explore a wide range of resources designed just for them. 

Concerned about a young person who has started a fire or seems unusually interested in fire? Our FireWise Education Programme offers guidance and support to help address these behaviours early and safely. 

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