Curiosity about fire is normal for children 3 to 8 years old. More than a third of burns suffered by children are the result of playing with matches or lighters. Even though fire is dangerous, children are amazed by flames. Always store matches and lighters out of reach. Use "child safe" lighters.

Teach young children these important lessons:

• Matches and lighters are not toys. They are tools for adults.
• Children who play with matches and lighters can be burned badly.
• Children who find matches or lighters should give them to an adult right away.

Each year, fire kills more Americans than all major natural disasters combined. Adults who smoke while drinking alcohol or fall asleep while smoking cause a large number of home fires that kill or injure children. If you smoke, do it with care.  Lit candles should not be left unattended.  Candles have been the source of many home fires.

Prepare an escape plan for your family.

• Show your children 2 ways to get out of every room.
• Have a meeting place outside your home.
• Practice the plan with your family often.
• Be sure to check to make sure your smoke detectors are working properly.  Change the batteries when daylight savings time changes.

In the event of a fire, children need to remember four things:

1. GET OUT FAST. Seconds count. Phone for help from a neighbor's house, not from inside a burning building.
2. CRAWL LOW under the smoke.
3. TEST the door. If it is hot or there's smoke coming from behind it, find another way out.
4. ONCE OUT, STAY OUT.

Show your children what to do if their clothing catches on fire:

1. because running fans the flames and makes the fire burn faster.
2. DROP to the floor and cover their faces.
3. ROLL back and forth to put out the flames.

Practice all these steps with your children often.