About USFA Kids

All information and materials are presented by the U.S. Fire Administration

Each year in the United States an estimated 2,800 children age 14 or younger are injured and 850 killed in residential fires. Of these children, over 40 percent are under the age five, 70 percent are under the age of 10. Because the majority of fire casualties occur in children under the age of 10, USFA Kids is targeted towards that age group.

The goals of USFA Kids are to:

1.Increase the level of individual concern and awareness of children's vulnerability to fire.

2.Educate and inform the U.S. population about how personal responsibility and action is key to
  preventing fires and fire-related casualties.

3.Provide a timely, coordinated and easy-to-access source of information about how individuals
  can prevent fires and fire-related casualties.

On the U.S. Fire Administration Web site, you will find short lessons about fire escape planning, smoke alarms and general home fire safety. It is recommended that an adult guide children through the lessons. Each lesson is followed by a brief five-question quiz to test children's knowledge of the subject after they have worked through the lesson. Also on the site, you will find games to reinforce the information learned in the lessons. Finally, through a 10-question quiz, children will have the opportunity to earn a Jr. Fire Marshal certificate signed by the Assistant Administrator, U.S. Fire Administration.










For further information about USFA Kids, please send an e-mail to usfa-webmaster@dhs.gov.

Control Kid's Access to Fire

■Keep all matches and lighters out of the hands of children. If possible, keep these sources of fire in locked drawers. Consider buying only "child-proof" lighters -- but be aware that no product is completely child-proof.
■Children as young as two years old can strike matches and start fires.
■Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time.
■Teach children not to pick up matches or lighters they may find. Instead, they should tell an adult immediately.

Control Curiosity

■Talk to your child or students in a calm, assured manner about fire safety.
■Consider visiting a fire station if children are very interested in firefighting and/or fire trucks or ask a firefighter to visit your classroom. Have the firefighter talk about his/her job and the dangers of fire.
■For parents: Create opportunities for learning about fire safety at home. For example, when you cook, let your child get the pot holder for you; when you use the fireplace, let your child bring you the wood or tools; if you use candles, let the child check to make sure the candle holder fits snugly; and when you change or test the batteries in your smoke alarms, ask the child to help you.

What to do if you Suspect your Student/Child is Playing with Fire?

■Talk to the child about his or her actions. Explain again that fire is a tool for use only by adults, and that it is very dangerous for children.
■Many schools, fire departments and law enforcement agencies have programs for children who are inappropriately interested in fire or who have set fires.