Juvenile Firesetting & Intervention
Juvenile firesetting is a serious problem, too often resulting
in deadly consequences. The Burn Institute of San Diego & Imperial
Counties offers intervention and education free-of-charge for children
displaying firesetting behavior. Please call the Burn Institute at (858) 541-2277 to schedule an appointment for a juvenile firesetting
intervention and education session. The Burn Institute is located
at 3702 Ruffin Road, Suite 101, San Diego, CA 92123.
The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District offers school programs
to educate children about the dangers of firesetting and using matches
and lighters. Children in preschool through fourth grade are taught
a "hands off" approach to fire-starting implements and
are introduced to the concept that matches and lighters are tools
for adults, not toys for children. We strongly suggest parents and
caregivers LOCK these tools far out of children's reach.
Suggestions for Parents:
- Locate all matches, lighters, utility (BBQ) lighters, blowtorches
or any other fire-starting implements and LOCK them in a drawer,
cupboard or cabinet where children cannot access them.
- LOCK UP all flammable liquids and like gasoline, kerosene, lighter
fluid, WD-40, spray paint and other aerosols. Adolescents and
teens often use accelerants like these to start fires.
- Be sure your home has functioning smoke detectors, at least
one on each floor of your home and one in each bedroom. To keep
your smoke detector well maintained, install fresh batteries every
year and replace your smoke detectors every 10 years.
- Design and practice a home fire escape plan with all family
members. Map at least two exits out of every room and identify
a meeting place outside. If you have a multi-story home, consider
purchasing a fire escape ladder for each bedroom and have your entire family practice climbing down the escape ladders.
- Lead by example. Children will follow the safe (or unsafe) examples
set by adults. Always use fire-safe practices, especially
around children.
- With your children, review the stop, drop and roll technique
if clothes were to catch fire. Also practice crawling low on the
floor, below smoke, to escape a fire. Explain the importance of
getting out of the house quickly and staying outside. Remind young
children that if they are trapped, not to hide from firefighters
during a fire.
- Establish a rule for young children to never touch matches or
lighters if they are found. Instead, instruct children to tell
a grown-up if they find matches or lighters lying around.
- Check under beds and in closets for evidence your child might
be playing with fire. Children will often experiment with fire
in these "secret" places. A large amount of flammable
materials are often under beds and in closets, making the fire
potential even greater.
- If your child is exhibiting firesetting behavior, increase supervision
of them and don't allow them to play alone. Use caution when your
child visits a friend's house where matches and lighters may be
easily accessible.
- Don't dismiss evidence of juvenile firesetting as a phase or
simple curiosity. Fire is fast, fire is hot, and fire is deadly.
Firesetting goes beyond curiosity for some children; their behavior
could be an expression of an underlying emotional problem. If
your child is experimenting or setting fires, get help immediately.
For further information about juvenile firesetter intervention
programs, click on the following links:
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