Learn Fire Safety with the Crisfield Volunteer Fire Department

The Crisfield Volunteer Fire Department wants every child in our community to know what to do if there is a fire. Fire safety starts at home, at school, and anywhere you spend time with family and friends.

This page is designed to help kids learn simple, important safety steps that can help protect them and their families.

Know What a Smoke Alarm Sounds Like

A smoke alarm makes a loud beeping sound when it senses smoke. That sound means you need to act quickly.

When you hear a smoke alarm:

1. Stop what you are doing.
2. Get low under the smoke.
3. Go to your nearest safe exit.
4. Get outside and stay outside.
5. Go to your family meeting place.
6. Wait for firefighters to arrive.

Never hide during a fire. Firefighters are coming to help you.

Get Low and Go

Smoke from a fire can make it hard to see and breathe. If there is smoke in the room, get down low and crawl to the nearest safe way out.

Remember:

Smoke goes up. You go down.

Crawl on your hands and knees, keep your head low, and move quickly toward the exit.

Have Two Ways Out

Every room should have two ways out. One way may be a door. Another way may be a window.

Talk with your family about:

• How to get out of each room
• Where to meet outside
• Who will help younger children, older adults, or pets
• What to do if an exit is blocked by smoke or fire

Practice your home fire escape plan with your family so everyone knows what to do.

Choose a Family Meeting Place

A meeting place is a safe spot outside where everyone goes after leaving the house.

Good meeting places include:

• A mailbox
• A tree
• A neighbor’s driveway
• A fence post
• Another safe place away from the home

Once you are outside, stay outside. Never go back inside for toys, pets, or anything else. Tell a firefighter if someone or something is still inside.

Stop, Drop, and Roll

If your clothes catch fire:

Stop where you are.
Drop to the ground.
Roll over and over until the fire is out.
Cover your face with your hands while rolling.

Do not run. Running can make the fire burn faster.

Firefighters Are Your Friends

Firefighters may look different when they wear their gear. Their coats, helmets, masks, and air tanks help protect them from heat, smoke, and fire.

A firefighter may sound loud when breathing through a mask, but they are there to help you. Do not hide from firefighters. Call out, wave your arms, or make noise so they can find you.

Matches and Lighters Are Tools, Not Toys

Matches and lighters can start dangerous fires. They should only be used by adults.

If you find matches or a lighter:

• Do not touch them
• Tell an adult right away
• Never use them to play, experiment, or show a friend

Fire is not a toy.

Kitchen Safety for Kids

The kitchen is one of the most common places where fires start. Kids can help stay safe by following simple rules.

Stay at least three big steps away from:

• Hot stoves
• Ovens
• Toasters
• Grills
• Pots and pans
• Hot food and drinks

Ask an adult before helping in the kitchen.

Candle and Heater Safety

Candles, space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves can get very hot.

Stay away from anything that can burn or cause a fire. Keep toys, blankets, paper, and clothing away from heat sources.

Always let an adult handle candles, heaters, fireplaces, and grills.

Call 911 in an Emergency

Call 911 only when there is a real emergency, such as:

• A fire
• A car crash
• Someone is very hurt or very sick
• You see smoke or flames
• Someone needs help right away

When calling 911, try to stay calm and answer the dispatcher’s questions. Know your address and phone number if you can.

Fire Safety Challenge

Talk with your family and see if you can complete this checklist:

• Find the smoke alarms in your home
• Test your smoke alarms with an adult
• Find two ways out of every room
• Pick a family meeting place outside
• Practice your home fire drill
• Learn how to stop, drop, and roll
• Learn when to call 911

A Message from the Crisfield Volunteer Fire Department

The members of the Crisfield Volunteer Fire Department care about the safety of every child and family in our community. Learning fire safety now can help you make smart choices during an emergency.

Practice your fire escape plan, listen for smoke alarms, and remember: get outside, stay outside, and call 911.

Fire Prevention Is a Community Effort

The Crisfield Volunteer Fire Department encourages everyone to take fire safety seriously at home, at work, and on the water. A few minutes of prevention can help protect lives, property, and the community we serve.

For fire prevention information, community safety questions, or public education requests, please contact the Crisfield Volunteer Fire Department.

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Fun Links

Smokey Bear

Sparky the fire dog

Sparky School House

National Fire Safety Council