Burn Awareness Week As Burn Awareness Week, 2017 takes place from Feb. 5th thru the 12th, your local Fire Department and the Delaware State Fire School asks that you think about the effects of fire on our most vulnerable population. That being children under the age of 5. Youth Firesetters cause hundreds of deaths and injuries each year. Preschoolers and kindergarten age children are most likely to start these fires, typically through their curiosity with matches and lighters. The National Fire Protection Association offers some suggestions regarding the relationship between children and fire. • Children experience fire interest. They may ask questions such as how hot is fire or show an interest in fire through playing with fire trucks or cooking on a play stove. This is healthy, and it is time to begin educating about fire. • Fire starting happens when children begin to experiment with fire using matches and lighters. Many fires happen when young children are left alone, even for a short period of time, and have access to matches and lighters. Parents must have clear rules and consequences about fire misuse. • Grown-ups can help keep fire out of the hands of children. • Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach and sight, up high, preferably in a locked cabinet or container. • Never leave matches or lighters in a bedroom or any place where children may go without supervision. • Teach young children and school-age children to tell a grown-up if they see matches or lighters. Children need to understand that fire is difficult to control, it is fast and can hurt as soon as it touches you. • A child with an interest in fire can lead to fire starting and result in repeated fire setting behavior. • It is important for grown-ups to discourage unsupervised fire starts. • Never use lighters or matches as a source of amusement for children; they may imitate you. • Never assign a young child any tasks that involve the use of a lighter or matches (lighting candles, bringing a lighter to an adult to light a cigarette or the fireplace, etc. • If your child expresses curiosity about fire or has been playing with fire, calmly but firmly explain that matches and lighters are tools for adults only. • Use only lighters designed with child-resistant features. The Delaware State Fire School asks that if you wish to get more information regarding fire safety for your children that you contact, Mike Lowe, Senior Instructor, 302-739-4773. Also, if you have a concern regarding the behavior of a child in relation to fire you may contact the Delaware Fire Marshal’s Office for assistance.