Children are innately curious. They often learn by experiencing the world through their senses. We generally encourage their safe exploration of the world around them. The keyword here is safe. It is our job as parents, caregivers, or homeowners to make sure everyone who spends time around our hearth and fireplace understands the rules. Feel free to review fireplace and hearth safety rules with family members and guests your children invite over for play dates. Here are a few very fun ways to teach your children about fireplace safety.
Make Learning Fun
Learning about fireplace safety doesn’t have to be boring. Look for color sheets and activity books that teach important lessons like respect for fire and stop, drop, and roll to put out a fire if it’s on your clothing. Teach through fun acronyms, songs, and allow children to get creative with their own learning process.
Make it a Field Trip
Take a trip to your local fire department so the kids can learn from actual firemen, and maybe even sit inside the fire truck. Call ahead to make sure it’s okay with the chief before taking your kids to the fire department, and always be understanding if they have to leave on an emergency in the middle of the lesson.
Visit the Library
Many public libraries are at risk of being closed down because they’re so infrequently visited. Support your local library by taking your children there occasionally to check out books about important things like fireplace safety. Encourage a love for reading and books in addition to reading via electronic devices.
Create an Emergency Escape Plan
Every parent should have an emergency escape plan in place. This plan should be practiced once a month to keep it fresh on everyone’s minds, and make sure every member of the household knows where the meeting spot is once they’re out of harm’s way. Every time you review the emergency escape plan, also take the time to review fireplace safety.
Teach by Example
Children learn in a variety of ways. They can read, color, play with educational toys, and watch educational television shows. But the primary way children learn is by example. They watch the adults around them and learn how to become an adult. Always try to set a good example because you never know who is watching, and children often decide to watch and pay attention at the most inopportune times.
One of the most important things you can teach your children is responsibility. Every parent is held responsible for the actions of their child and every homeowner is held responsible for injuries sustained on their property. Teach your children about responsible homeownership by setting good examples about home improvement and home maintenance.
A big part of that maintenance is chimney and fireplace maintenance and care. Call Lou Curley’s Chimney Service at 610-626-2439 to schedule your annual chimney inspection and cleaning. We don’t mind answering questions before, during, or after an inspection.