Be Well

THINK SAFETY With so many kids at says. That’s the job of the fire department, Fitzpatrick reminds parents to stay in home, fire education is which asks immediately upon arrival if anyone is in the house and the best way to the room while cooking and to make sure that the handles of pots and pans are more important than ever reach them. turned inward so little ones don’t try to Families need to agree on a meeting grab them and get hurt.

Parents have some homework to do point once they’re outside. Fitzpatrick says The battalion chief also recommends this time around for Fire Prevention for his family it’s the mailbox, but it could preparing hot lunches in advance, so Week, Oct. 4-10. be a tree or a neighbor’s house. Make the kids only have to heat them up in the

With remote learning, many children whole exercise fun. microwave instead of using the stove. will be missing out on fire safety drills at Everyone should know to keep their If a problem arises with a child lighting school. It’s crucial, one fire official says, door shut while sleeping — to stop any fires, the OFD will come to the home, do to do them at home. Even if kids are in fire from coming into their room. Teach a survey and a fire safety walk, and make classes, fire education is important for the kids to feel the door with the back of their sure fire and carbon monoxide detectors whole family. hand before opening it should there be a are working. They’ll also talk with the child

Scott Fitzpatrick, a battalion chief with fire in the house. about the dangers of fire and the financial the Omaha Fire Department, says parents first should make sure children understand that fire is a tool and not a toy. Good examples are flames on gas stoves and pilot lights on water heaters. Tell kids: “Fire keeps us warm and we cook with it. We use a candle for light,’’ “If it’s hot, don’t open the door. Go to the window and yell for help, and we will rescue you from the window,’’ Fitzpatrick says. Fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors have different beeps and buzzes, so explain to your children how they work and test the sound so they can tell the and criminal results. Most times it’s just curiosity, but fire starting can also be a cry for help, especially because of sexual abuse. OFD works with the Omaha Police Department and Project Harmony to assist the child and family with any intervention that might be needed. Fitzpatrick says. “Fire can be good, but you difference. If you don’t have a detector, One of the best things parents can do have to be careful with it. Fire can hurt you and live in the Omaha area and own the is keep matches, lighters and candles as well. We don’t want that.’’ home, the OFD will install one for free. tucked away so children aren’t tempted to

Next assignment is a home fire drill. The theme for Fire Prevention Week is experiment. Everyone should know two ways out of “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.’’ It’s “We have a bunch of resources for the house and understand that once they timely because unattended cooking is parents and teachers who want to stay have exited, they must stay out. the leading cause of home fires and more safe during this time,’’ Fitzpatrick says.

“Don’t go back for toys or stuffed families are home together because of the Call 402-444-3560 for more information animals or if anyone else is trapped,’’ he coronavirus pandemic. or go to omaha-fire.org.