City of Yuma issued the following announcement on Oct. 8.
We would like to get the message out that parents need to talk about fire safety with their children. There is no reason for children to have matches or lighters in their possession, or access to them in their home. Curiosity about fire is normal, so it is all that much more important to teach your children fire is a serious thing, and not a toy.
- Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, up high, preferably in a locked cabinet.
- Never use lighters or matches as a source of amusement for children. They may imitate what you do.
- If your child expresses curiosity about fire, or has been playing with fire, calmly but firmly explain that matches and lighters are tools for adults only.
- Use only lighters designed with child-resistant features. Remember child-resistant does not mean child-proof.
- Teach children to tell an adult if they see matches or lighters.
- Never leave matches or lighters in a bedroom or any place where children may go without supervision.
- If you suspect your child is intentionally setting fires, or unduly fascinated with fire, get help. The Yuma Fire Department, your school, or a community counseling agency can put you in touch with trained experts.
The Yuma Fire Department participates in the Youth Fire Setters program and provides classes that teach both parents and children about the dangers and consequences of playing with fire.
This is the last of our daily Fire Prevention Week spotlights, but Fire Prevention isn’t for a week, it’s for every day! Do all you can to prevent fires in your home, the consequences of failure are just too great. “Safety is No Accident”. For more information, contact the Yuma Fire Department at 373-4850.
Original source can be found here.
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