Take precautions with kids
In all the years I have been involved in the fire service I cannot remember anything more heartbreaking than the death or serious injury of a ch i l d .
  Anytime I received a call involving a child, my heart always beat a little quicker, and I prayed a little harder.
  It takes an emotional toll on everyone involved to see a beautiful child with such innocence and unlimited potential lost, often in accidents that could easily have been prevented.
Kids playing with matches is one of those accidents that will take the lives of many children each year and one that could be eliminated if every effort is made to make our homes safer and teach our children fire safety.
  Children are fascinated and have a natural curiosity about fire, with many as young as 2 showing an interest. It is important that we start early teaching our children that fire can be dangerous.
  It should also reflect in our everyday actions. Very often children will mimic a parent who sits around flicking his Bic lighter. We must keep matches and lighters out of the “strike zone,” which is any area in the home that a child can reach. It would also be wise to use childproof matchboxes and lighters.
  Be on the lookout for holes burned in the carpet or charred paper in the garbage or sinks. This could be a sign your child has matches hidden in his bedroom. If you suspect your child is playing with matches, check in closets and under beds, because kids will often go to areas where they think no one will find them.
  Make sure you have smoke detectors that are operational in your home.
  If your child starts a fire, the smoke detector will provide an early warning that there is a problem. It could provide you the necessary time needed to get your family safely out of the home.
  I have always taken every opportunity to talk with children and adults about the dangers of playing with fire. I always made the kids promise me they would never play with matches with the hope they would not break a promise to a firefighter. I have also tried to get parents to understand the major responsibility we carry in protecting our children.
  Every danger and unsafe act we eliminate in the home increases the chance our children will live long and productive lives, but every danger and unsafe act ignored increases the chance of tragedy striking your home.
  24/7/365: You call; we res p o n d .
 KENNETH LEE KNIGHT is a battalion chief in the High Point Fire Department.