Child Safety Week

Firefighter and children

Child Safety Week is an annual campaign by the Child Accident Prevention Trust to raise awareness of the risks of child accidents and how they can be prevented.

The theme this year is Share because you care (opens in new window)

Key messages to keep children safe:

The steps to safety are small, but by taking these steps families can make a big difference to children's safety:

Fit a smoke alarm - Fitting a smoke alarm and involving the children in testing it regularly can also help keep them fire-aware and - most importantly - provide the vital seconds you need to escape in an accidental house fire. More about smoke alarms
Don't let your child play with fire - Keep candles, lighters and matches well out of children's reach, and never leave burning candles unattended. More about fire safety for children - a guide for parents
Keep safe in the kitchen - Make sure children know that the kitchen is not a play area - never leave younger children alone in the kitchen when you're cooking and never let them play near the oven and hob. More about kitchen fire safety
Socket safety - Teach children not to poke anything, including fingers, into sockets. More about electrical fire safety

Nominate your child to be the 'Escape champ' - Regularly role-play escape routes and give children the responsibility to keep escape routes clear. More about escape plans for your family
Get 'key clever' - encourage your children to check that keys are in the correct place. Keys for windows and doors should always be kept in an accessible place so you can get out quickly in the event of a fire.
Discuss how to call 999 - Make sure children know which number to call in an emergency. They should also know their address. You can pin both up by the phone; explain the importance of only calling 999 in a real emergency.
Fit and maintain a smoke alarm - A working smoke alarm can give you the vital time you need to escape a house fire. You should have one on each level of your home and test it weekly.
Don't remove the batteries - if your smoke alarm keeps going off accidentally while you are cooking, don't remove the batteries. Instead move the alarm or change it for one with a silencer button.
In the event of a fire 'Get out, Stay out, Call 999!' - Don't delay for valuables, don't investigate or try to tackle the fire. Use a mobile, a neighbour's phone or a phone box to call 999. If someone needs to be rescued wait safely outside for the firefighters who have the equipment and training to do it. Never go back in.
Cross roads safely - teach children how to cross the road safely
Travel safely by by car - Always wear a seat belt and always strap children into car seats. More about child seats

Statistics

Statistics for fires caused by children at home in 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

2018

7 accidental fires in the home caused by children between the ages of 0 and 9.
9 accidental fires in the home caused by children between the ages of 10 and 17.

2017

6 accidental fires in the home caused by children between the ages of 0 and 9.
5 accidental fires in the home caused by children between the ages of 10 and 17.

2016

8 accidental fires in the home caused by children between the ages of 0 and 9.
11 accidental fires in the home caused by children between the ages of 10 and 17.

2015

13 accidental fires in the home caused by children between the ages of 0 and 9.
12 accidental fires in the home caused by children between the ages of 10 and 17.

2014

6 accidental fires in the home caused by children between the ages of 0 and 9.
10 accidental fires in the home caused by children between the ages of 10 and 17.