Sleep Safely

Most bedroom fires are started by children playing with fire, so parents play a vital role in making sure their children know about the dangers of fire. To help children better understand how to prevent home fires, the Sleep Products Safety Council offers the following tips to parents:

• Think like a kid
• Lead by example
• Have a family escape plan
• Make sure smoke alarms are working properly
• Remove potential fire hazards, such as candles and lighters
• Educate your children about fire safety

But home fire safety isn't just for kids and their parents. Here are some more tips for the young and young-at-heart to keep in mind:

• Don't pinch or crush electrical cords by placing furniture on top of them or trapping them against a wall. Over time, damaged cords can cause a fire.
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from beds and other flammable items. Follow all of the space heater manufacturer's instructions and warnings.

Visit www.safesleep.org for more tips about how families can stay safe from fire.