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Keep Your Family Safe: Teaching Fire Safety to Children

 

November 10, 2022 by primm

In the winter there is nothing nicer than sitting around a cheery fire on a cold day or cuddling under a blanket warm from the dryer. But did you know that about half of all residential fires are reported between December and February every year? Fire safety is an important topic for children of all ages, especially those who live in a home with a fireplace or a clothes dryer. It is never too early or too late to start talking to your kids about fire prevention and what to do in the event of a fire. In this article we will outline the basics of children’s fire safety and provide tips on how you can help protect and empower your family.

Why Is This Important?

If your home contains a fireplace, the risk for a house fire may be obvious. However, residential fires are often started from seemingly innocuous places such as appliances, holiday decorations, or even the wiring running through your walls. According to the National Fire Protection Association, clothes dryers and cooking are two of the biggest causes of residential fires each year. This means your home is at risk even if you do not own a fireplace or outdoor fire pit! In the United States, a house fire occurs on average every 87 seconds, and a house fire can reach temperatures of over 1100 degrees F in less than five minutes. Don’t become a statistic – take action to make sure that every member of your family knows what to do in the event of a fire.

Fire Safety Tips: Start With Prevention

The first step that every homeowner should take to protect their homes and families is ensuring that working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed in every bedroom, outside of every sleeping area, and on each floor of your home. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are available and are a convenient option to ensure that you have early warning of either issue. After you ensure that your home has adequate smoke detector coverage, what are additional steps that you can take to teach your children fire safety? Read on for more suggestions!

Teach Fire Responsibility

All children have the capacity to learn that fire is dangerous, even if they are still toddlers. Start by teaching “hot” and “no touch” for fireplaces, stoves, matches, lighters, candles, and space heaters. In addition, ensure that younger children are kept at least three feet away from any heat source, and consider adding a physical barrier like a gate if your child is mobile. Even young children are able to recognize the sound of the smoke alarm – make sure they know that this means danger, and know what to do.

For older children, start talking with them about how house fires start and spread, and point out the risks around your household such as the stove, fireplace, and clothes dryer. There are many videos available online that have helpful visuals on how house fires spread – watch a few together and talk about what you see. Many children are not able to grasp how quickly and easily a fire can spread if they have not seen it, and videos are a great, safe place to start.

Home Fire Drills

One of the most important things you can do to help your family respond quickly and safely in the event of a house fire is to conduct fire drills in your home. That’s right; just like they do in schools! This is a tried-and-true method of increasing your chances of escaping a burning building safely. The practice is very important since in an emergency it can be difficult to remember plans and actions that you have never physically done before.

To get the kids excited about this practice, involve them in the planning! Identify a safe outdoor area as a gather point for family members who have escaped the building, and emphasize “don’t hide, go outside” to your children. You can draw a map of your home and have them trace the routes in fun colors, stir up some friendly competition in a “race to escape”, and provide some special toys or treats afterwards as a prize for completing the drill. Practice your home fire drills once a month with your children and they will be significantly more likely to remember how to escape and where to go.

Clear Action Steps

As we discussed earlier, it can be hard to remember what to do if your brain is in panic mode during an emergency. Having clear, concise action steps for your children to memorize can be a huge help in the event of a fire. We are all familiar with “stop, drop, and roll” and this is a fun one to practice with the whole family! “Don’t hide, get outside” is another easy phrase to remember, and you can create your own songs or phrases to remind them of the important things to know.

Check for Danger

Does your child know how to test a door to determine if there is a fire outside? Grabbing the knob without checking can result in nasty burns to their hands, as the doorknobs often conduct much more heat than the door itself. Practice testing doors with the back of their hand, and discuss what it means if the door feels warm or hot.

In The Dark

In a residential fire, the smoke can often be so thick that it is impossible to see your way out of a room. Though your home is your most familiar environment, it is tricky to navigate your way around without being able to see what is around you. Practice feeling your way to your exit points with your eyes closed or with a blindfold on so your children know what to expect if they cannot see to find their way.

Trust the Firemen

Even though firemen are a much-beloved childhood hero, the reality of a fireman in full gear can be much scarier. Children are often harder to find in a fire as they will naturally hide in scary situations, and they may not come out if they are frightened of the full body suit, hood, and mask. But did you know that most fire stations are fine with you dropping in with your children to learn more in-person? As long as they are not called out on an emergency, almost all firemen are happy to teach your children more about fire safety. If your child can watch a fireman put on the suit and take it off again to reveal a perfectly normal person, they will be much less frightened of them if they encounter a fireman during an emergency.

Key Takeaways

We hope that this article has helped you to feel more prepared to discuss fire safety with your children. The most important tips are to practice your home fire drills regularly, to ensure that everyone in the household has a clear plan in case of emergency, and to ensure that all of the necessary prevention steps are taken to ensure that your home is as safe as possible from the risk of any fire. Did you know that your dryer vent is one of the parts of your home that is most at risk of fire? Schedule an inspection with us today to make sure that your family is protected!

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Google Rating
4.0
Based on 76 reviews
Black Goose Chimney
Black Goose Chimney
4.0
Michael Levenson
I have an outside gas fire pit that needed help. Sergery came out and had it back to working great after 2 visits. I thanked him the first visit and he told me not to thank him until job was complete and I am satisfied. When completed he followed up to make sure I was satisfied since I was out of town when job completed.To me that says a lot to have pride in your work and to really want the follow up on satisfaction confirmation. That customer service and pride has been lost lately with a lot of companies and it is good to see it again. Thanks!
Jen Test
Customer service is extremely poor
Lydia Clark
My glass doors, outside of my fireplace, had gotten broken..Black Goose had to measure, and special order the doors.They replaced them and did an excellent job.
Steve Thompson
We called Black Goose Newport News to install an electric fireplace & shiplap in our family room. The space was previously used for an old fashion tv & stereo system built into the wall. They did an exceptional job filling in the space and making the room look modernized. Top quality workmanship!!!
Robin Boling
Black Goose recently came out to sweep my chimney. They ended up charging me over $300 and did an inspection saying that my chimney need all sorts of repairs. I have had other chimney sweeps out over the past 15 years and never had an issue like this. They quoted 20K for the so called repairs. I will never call them again.
Sheila J
They said I neeeded a new vent system. Did it. Did it wrong and then came back and didn’t even know they had done it
Karen Lewis
"Sergey" and his crew replaced our wood burning fireplace with a gas direct vent Valor fireplace. It was a major project with reframing and additional issues but they did an outstanding job. "Juanita" was outstanding with customer service and also Karen with the scheduling. Thank you for everything. Go Navy!
Rob Gregory
Paid for them to come out and look at my house and take measurements for a free standing Woodstove and chimney. Ghosted after that. I reached out again to ask about looking at pellet stoves to be installed and they haven’t replied back in a couple of weeks. Glad I gave them money for no reason. It’s ok because I found a better company to do the job and they didn’t charge for an estimate. I would leave a lower star review if possible.
Melissa Novak
The technicians performed a very thorough inspection of the fireplace in a home we are purchasing. They took their time, checked every inch of the fireplace, including the roof and attic. We’ll be contacting them for a gas insert!
Devin Haslam
These guys are pretty average. They gave me incorrect info, they overcharge, and their work is average quality
John Mason
Professional and efficient. Chimney and wood stove inspection, cleaning.
RWM
Admittedly this was several years ago but I scheduled them to come to Smithfield and sweep my woodstove chimney. Took a day off from work and they never showed and didn't call. When I called them they didn't apologize or care whatsoever and said I could reschedule. Of course I said no and did it myself.
Caroline Martin
so we moved into our home about a year ago, I just wanted the chimneys swept so we could start using our fire places. The lady on the phone (who was very kind) said there was a travel fee (totally understand), the inspection fee and then sweeping of two chimneys would be around $900. Ok, great. The guys come out, (who are extremely professional and kind), they do the inspection and then write up almost $33,000 in proposals of work that needs to be done to both chimneys. This is a 40 year old home and there is some mortar missing on the inside of the chimney apparently. They wanted to charge $1,400 a day for a lift when lifts we have rented in the past have been at most $500 a day. They wanted to charge $2,290 to pressure wash the chimney (do you know how small a chimney is??, I could get my whole house pressure washed for $1,500). The prices they proposed were absolutely insane. But in the end the never swept the chimneys (they confirmed they could be swept from the inside), so they charged us for the travel fee and inspection fee $500+ for nothing done. I feel so dumb.
Kirsten Shaffer
I called to get an estimate for some repairs required for our home sale, as requested by the buyers following inspection. I told the person who answered the phone our closing date and when repairs would need to be completed. A technician came over the next day. He was very polite and professional. I also told him my closing date. He indicated that I would get an email estimate and could proceed with scheduling service following that. A week after he came out, I called the office to follow up and was told that the techs were extremely busy and were a month behind on estimates. When I expressed dismay, the staff member (same person I spoke to the first time was rude and dismissive. I told them I would not be using their services and not to bother with an estimate. Two days later, I got an email from someone else indicating that the file was behind because the accountant had been out of the office, but that they’d get back to me asap. It’s now been 10 days and I’ve still heard nothing. I paid $149 for the inspection. If they were so behind, they should’ve mentioned that at the time I scheduled the inspection. The office staff was rude, and apparently they have no idea how to run a business. Do not use them.
Jose Garcia
Definitely recommend! I was informed by the home insurance that I needed a certification. I called Black Goose Chimney and expressed my needs. They ensured me that I had nothing to worry about and that they would make it happen regardless the time crunch. They squeezed me in their schedule and explained the process without hesitation. Once again Thank you!!!
John Puckropp
Technician Sergey Gardner did an outstanding job explaining and fixing my fireplace. Highly recommend!LtCol John PuckroppUSMC Retired
Victoria Terrill
I highly recommend Black Goose Chimney! Juanita picked up my phone call and was so helpful and sweet from the get-go. Joe and John C. inspected and conducted a chimney sweep on my place. Both were very professional, on-time, and great to speak with. The chimney was well beyond needing a cleaning and the did a great job. They pretty much made the chimney go from black to a light grey color (which I didn’t know was possible) and they also cleaned up after themselves. Joe and John C. were so nice and even tolerated my terrible (and overused) Mary Poppins references. I would absolutely recommend Black Goose Chimney and Joe/John C. They did a great job!
E H
My homeowner’s insurance on my new house said I needed to have my wood stove removed or they’d cancel my policy. Black Goose Chimney was able to come out and do the job within a few days, sealed off the chimney, and provided me pictures to send the insurance company. The crews who came out were on time, professional, knowledgeable, and laid down blankets to protect my floors. Karen in the office was so helpful with getting me the pictures for my insurance company.
Next Home Coastal Luxury Realty
Work for a Keller Williams agency. Needed a chimney repair on a house closing the following day. Black Goose was able to check it out the day I called and are able to make repairs the following day! Mike the tech, MORE then helpful as was Lois in the office. I highly recommend them for your chimney and fireplace needs!!
Sovonia Golden
Miriam Kotsonis
Super helpful and knowledgeable staff!
Levi Collins
Mrs. Karen was wonderful and got us scheduled right away, the service team was excellent and professional. Mr. Jim ordered our part and it came the next week, nice lady called me and they scheduled it for the very next day. I HIGHLY recommend this company for there excellent attention to detail, customer service that makes you feel like family, and quick response time.
robandpathy S
Excellent Service
William Mace
If I could give negative stars I would! These guys jerked my 80 year old mother around during Christmas when it was freezing. Someone told Mom to call these guys because the furnace was venting into the basement. A dude looking like Bob Marley shows up and says he can't fix it or even look at it because we have slate roof and they need special equipment to get up there. Ok. I get it. When can you come back? Someone will call you. No. No one called me. I called the next week. By this time mom had to sleep downstairs in front of fireplace to stay warm. I called. Dude on phone said he didn't know anything about it but would get back to me day after New Years. He didn't. I called again on Wednesday. No one answered. I left a message. Nothing.
Al Budaszewski
I had my fireplace serviced recently. They were able to restore full function to my gas fireplace and remote control without replaccing any components. They are honest, thorough, and I would do business with them again.
Skip Savell
Dorethea Johnson
They attempted to charge me an absorbent amount for money a fireplace chain cover. They qouted a me the price for it. They didn't have it in stock. When It came in. They had changed the price by more than double.
Kyle Russell
I seen a employee hit another vehicle on 64 and keep driving. Wouldn't want that integrity working at my house.
William Chandler
Very professional and thorough.
Jory Morrison
Frances McCoy-Brown
From the person answering the phone and scheduling my appointment. To the two men who came out and did a chimney check were very courteous and professional. I was provided with information that would help me make an informed decision. There was no hard sell ! I would recommend them.
Yvonne Richardson
Had my chimney and firebox repaired. they did the work in very reasonable time and did a very good job. Were on time and were respectful, courteous and professional. Cleaned up nicely also. The lady in the office was very friendly and helpful.
Bridget Sims
Brian Lucas
I paid them to perform a diagnostic on my gas logs that were not lighting. The Tech determined I have a faulty valve and told me the office would look up the part and send me a quote to replace it. That was nearly three months ago. I called the office twice during that time to remind them and got the run-around. Don’t waste your time on this company.
Amanda Wroten
Ken Nelson
Pauretta Banks
Love my fire place! They did a great job and made sure I was satisfied before they left.
Tom Jowers
High prices but as the old saying goes "you get what you pay for." In this case, quality service.
John Sims
This company helped fix our chimney after a very scary fire we had. Great quality work and very professional crew
Pamela Mason
Black Goose Chimney did a superb job for us. Their technician Joe is a pleasure to work with and is not only professional and polite, but does fantastic work! On time, great workmanship and a pleasure to work with - what more can you ask for. I would recommend BlacK Goose Chimney to anyone.
Deborah Hill
Michael Chase
What a great team. Highly professional, knowledgable and no nonsense tell it like it is workers. Sergey is a master brick layer and technician. I will not use anyone else when it comes to brick and chimney work.The owner, Jim and Kathy, front office, are absolutely great to work with. I highly reccommend this company.
William Marx
The terracota liner to the oil boiler had broken after 50 years. Jim came out and gave an estimate and managed to promptly get a crew here on a Saturday to replace it with a steel liner. The crew, Sergei and Michael, arrived on time and were quite polite, efficient and neat. The left the house in better shape than when they arrived. They took care that the 5 month old puppy was kept away from the repair materials. Michael went so far as to clear the entire roof of pine needles, not just the area he was working. Greatly appreciated. They truly went the extra mile!
Selina Tyler
James Simone
Wanted to charge a $99.00 service call for an estimate. Other companies came for free
Sean B
Don Lovis
They came out to do a dryer vent sweep. They quoted me 800.00 labor for 2 hours to fix one dryer pipe 10 ft long. Hired another company and charged 75.00. I will never use them again
Anthony Cronin Jr
Very ProfessionalShared Concern To Apply Money To Return Maximum Value With Highest Quality!
Wayne Booth
Called today to schedule cleaning two chimneys. The price they quoted was more than double other places I called. And they were booked out three weeks. The company I scheduled with was six weeks out. It was worth the wait.
Peter Henrie
Very disappointed with my experience with this company. I called to get a quote for a gas stove installed. They sent their employee who charged me $100 to quote me, this wasn't told to me on the initial call, only at the end of the onsite visit to quote. I was told it would be removed from cost of the installation however they were unresponsive to calls and emails multiple times afterwards that I gave up moving forward with them. Would sadly not recommend.
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