Youth & Fire misuse

-Increase supervision.

-Eliminate all access to lighters and matches.  

-Keep ignition sources and flammables in secured areas or locked cabinets out of the reach of children.

-Install and maintain smoke alarms in your home.

-Set a good example.  Never amuse children by playing with fire.  Youth will imitate your behavior.

-Monitor what your children are watching on TV, video games, online, and social media.  

-Don't allow smoking in the home.

-Regularly search your child's bedroom, closet, and personal belongings if they have been experimenting with or setting fires.

-Talk to students about the importance of working smoke alarms in their homes.

-Educate children and adults to keep lighters and matches out of the sight and reach of children.

-Encourage students to "tell an adult" if they know someone has been misusing fire.

-Teach and model fire safety in the classroom.

-Know your school system's policies concerning peer pressure and bullying.  Make your students  feel comfortable about coming to you and how they can do so confidentially.

-Inform parents and caregivers immediately if a student is suspected of or has been misusing fire.

-Support fire education programs and collaboration with the fire department in your schools.

-Promptly refer students and families to the Youth Firesetting Intervention Program