Fire Safety for Families: 10 Things Every Child Should Know
Fire Prevention Week | October 4–10, 2026
Simple ways Macomb County families can teach kids about fire safety, create an escape plan, and practice potentially lifesaving habits.
As parents, we teach our children how to cross the street, wear helmets, and buckle their seat belts. But have you talked to your kids about what to do if there’s a fire?
The good news? Teaching fire safety doesn’t have to be scary. A few simple conversations and family activities can help children feel more confident and prepared.
Here are 10 important fire safety lessons every family should practice.
Make sure to scroll down further for open house opportunities this weekend!
🚨 1. Make a Family Fire Escape Plan
Does everyone in your home know how to get outside during a fire?
Walk through your home together and identify two ways out of every room, when possible. Make sure windows and doors can be opened easily.
Choose a safe meeting place outside, such as a mailbox, tree, or neighbor’s driveway.
Family activity: Draw a map of your home and let your kids help create your family’s escape plan.
🔥 2. Practice Your Escape Plan
Having an escape plan is important, but practicing it is even better!
Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year. Have everyone practice getting outside quickly and meeting at your designated spot.
Remind children that they should never stop to grab toys, electronics, or other belongings.
Make it fun: Turn your practice into a family safety challenge. Can everyone remember the meeting place?
🚨 3. Learn What Smoke Alarms Sound Like
Smoke alarms save lives, but their loud sounds can frighten younger children.
Let your kids hear what your smoke alarms sound like during a planned test.
Explain that when they hear the alarm, they need to get outside immediately.
Smoke alarms should be installed inside every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home.
Parent tip: Test smoke alarms monthly and replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
🚪 4. Know How to Check a Door
Teach children that if they encounter a closed door while escaping, they should check it for heat with the back of their hand before opening it.
If the door feels hot or smoke is coming through, they should leave it closed and use another safe exit.
Never open a door that may have fire on the other side.
🐢 5. Stay Low Under Smoke
Smoke can make it difficult to see and breathe.
Teach children to stay low and crawl toward a safe exit if smoke is present.
Family activity: Practice crawling low during your home fire drill so kids understand what to do.
📞 6. Know When and How to Call 911
Make sure your children understand that 911 is for emergencies.
Teach them how to call 911 from a phone and what information to share, including their home address.
Explain that during a fire, their first job is to get outside safely. They should call 911 once they are outside and safe.
Family activity: Help your children memorize their home address and practice explaining an emergency.
🚫 7. Get Out and Stay Out
This is one of the most important fire safety rules.
Once outside, never go back into a burning building.
Not for toys. Not for phones. Not even for pets.
If someone or a pet is still inside, tell the firefighters immediately.
👩🚒 8. Firefighters Are Helpers, Not Something to Fear
Firefighters wearing full protective gear can look intimidating to young children.
Explain that firefighters may wear large helmets, masks, and special clothing to protect themselves while helping others.
Show children pictures of firefighters in their gear so they recognize them during an emergency.
Family activity: Visit a local fire department open house or community safety event when available.
🍳 9. Practice Fire Safety in the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most common places where home fires begin.
Teach children these simple rules:
- Never use the stove or oven without permission and appropriate adult supervision.
- Keep towels, paper, and other flammable items away from cooking surfaces.
- Stay away from hot pans and appliances.
- Tell an adult immediately if something is burning or smoking.
- Never pour water on a grease fire.
For parents, staying in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food is an important safety habit.
🔥 10. Matches and Lighters Are Not Toys
Children should understand that matches, lighters, and candles are tools for adults, not toys.
Teach kids that if they find matches or a lighter, they should leave them alone and tell a trusted adult.
Keep these items stored securely out of children’s reach.
🏡 Make Fire Safety a Family Activity
Fire Prevention Week is a wonderful opportunity to turn important safety lessons into meaningful family time.
Try these activities together:
- Create a family escape map: Draw your home and mark safe exits.
- Hold a family fire drill: Practice your escape plan and outdoor meeting place.
- Make a safety checklist: Check smoke alarms, exits, and emergency information.
- Practice your address: Help younger children learn where they live.
- Read a fire safety book: Visit your local library for age-appropriate books about firefighters and emergencies.
- Meet your local firefighters: Look for community open houses or fire safety demonstrations.
🚒 Saturday, October 10
- Bruce Township Fire Department Open House — Romeo
- Time: 12–3 p.m.
- Location: Fire Station #1, 223 E. Gates Street, Romeo
- Admission: Free
- Activities: Fire station and truck tours, meet local first responders, fire hose activities, smoke safety trailer, bounce house, DJ, cotton candy, cider, donuts, hot dogs, and popcorn.
- Contact: 586-752-2520
- Shelby Township Fire Department Open House
- Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Location: Fire Station #1, 6345 23 Mile Road, Shelby Township
- Activities: Fire safety demonstrations, equipment displays, vehicle extrication demonstrations, fire station and vehicle tours, and an appearance by Sparky the Fire Dog.
- Chesterfield Township Fire Department Open House
- Time: Noon–3 p.m.
- Location: Fire Station #3, 33991 23 Mile Road, Chesterfield Township
- Admission: Free
- Activities: Kids’ activities, bounce house, interactive demonstrations, refreshments, and more.
Bring the family to meet Chesterfield firefighters and enjoy hands-on fire safety learning.
🚒 Sunday, October 11
Richmond Volunteer Fire Department Pancake Breakfast & Open House
- Pancake breakfast: 8 a.m.–noon
- Open house: Noon–3 p.m.
- Location: Richmond Fire Hall, 69465 Main Street, Richmond
- Breakfast: Free-will donation
- Activities: Fire trucks, vehicle extrication demonstrations, obstacle course, bake sale, free lunch, and family activities.
- Special guests: Richmond Police Department, Macomb County Sheriff’s Department, and Richmond Lenox EMS.
- Weather permitting: Life Flight helicopter landing.
Macaroni KID Macomb Tip: Event details are subject to change. Check with the hosting fire department before heading out.
❤️ A Little Preparation Makes a Big Difference
Fire safety doesn’t need to be frightening for children. With age-appropriate conversations, practice, and a little preparation, families can build important habits that could save lives.
This Fire Prevention Week, take 15 minutes to review your family’s escape plan, check your smoke alarms, and talk about what to do in an emergency.
Because keeping our kids safe starts with helping them know what to do!
