Teachers
A Speech for Children & Classes
To use when speaking to children
What you will need: A working smoke detector, a bed sheet, EDITH stickers and EDITH informational coloring books
Presenter Outline
Today we are going to talk about what you should do if you hear a smoke detector, smell smoke or see flames in your house.
Part 1 - What is a smoke detector?
(You will need to have a smoke detector with a working battery.)
A. How many of you know what a smoke detector does?
That's right ... it lets us know if there is smoke or fire nearby.
B. How many of you have smoke detectors where you live?
It is a very good idea to have them because they give us a warning that we need to get out of the house and call the fire department.
C. Do you know what a smoke detector sounds like?
(Test the detector by pushing the test button to make it sound)
When you go home, ask your mom and dad to show you where the smoke detectors are at home and let you hear what they sound like.
D. When you hear the smoke detector, what should you do?
Get out of the house. You should never go into a closet or under a bed because you are scared.
You should always get out of the house where you will be safe! Fire can be scary and the safest thing you can do is to get out of the house quickly.
E. If you see smoke or flames somewhere what should you do?
Tell a grown-up.
Smoke and fire are dangerous and it is very important that you tell someone if you see them. You shouldn't worry about getting in trouble, because being safe is more important. Grown-ups want to know if you smell smoke or see flames.
Part 2 - An Exit Plan
Let's say you hear the smoke detector in your house.
You know that means that you have to get out of the house, but what if you couldn't find your way because it was dark or there was something in your way?
It is very important that your mom and dad plan and let you know the best way to get out of your house. Ask your Mom and your Dad to help you plan two ways to get out of the house.
You also need to have a special family meeting place outside of the house.
This is a spot outside - it could be a tree in the yard or your play set, where everyone goes once they get out of the house. That way, your parents know that you and your brothers and sisters are out of the house and safe.
One very important thing: When you get out, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER go back into a burning or smoky building.
Part 3: Get Low & Go!
(You will need a large bed sheet.)
A. Who can tell me what usually happens in a fire? It gets hot and it gets smoky.
B. If there is a fire, it is very important that you stay away from the heat and the smoke so you stay safe. That is why you need to get out of the house as quickly as possible.
C. Sometimes, by the time you hear the smoke detector, there may already be lots of smoke in the halls of your house.
D. Right now, we are going to practice what you should do if there is smoke in the halls or rooms in your house. Smoke is very dangerous. It can make us cough and get in our eyes and make it hard for us to see or to breathe. But smoke is funny stuff. It goes up. So the best place for you to be is below the smoke.
E. If the smoke is up to here (indicate your waist level) how do you think we can get out of the house and stay away from the smoke? That's right, we can get down on our hands and knees and CRAWL. If we crawl, we stay low enough that the smoke won't hurt us. Let's pretend that this sheet is the smoke and let's take turns crawling low under the smoke. This is something you should practice at home with your mom and dad, and everyone who lives with you.
Now, let's go over what we have learned.
What do you do when you hear the smoke detector or smell smoke? Get out of the house.
When you see smoke in the hallways what should you do? Crawl under the smoke.
If you see smoke or flames, what should you do? Tell a grown-up.
What should you never, ever do? Go back into a burning or smoky building!
We are going to give you a very important paper that you need to take home and give to your parents so they can learn about Operation EDITH and so you can show them what you learned today.
(Hand out a coloring book and sticker to each child.)