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Make your own Firetruck
Each year hundreds of children die in home fires started by children who were using matches or lighters.
Children as young as two have started fires with matches and lighters. Many children who start fires are merely
curious about fire; others are using fire in anger or as a cry for help or as an act of vandalism. Any act of
firesetting, regardless of motivation, is dangerous and must be handled properly.
In addition to keeping matches and lighters out of reach, you can begin to teach your child early about
fire safety and prevention. Contact your local fire department and schedule a visit to the fire station.
Most have information and programs specifically for children.
At home, you can teach fire safety with these interactive activities, games and projects that are
geared toward the young child.
Make a Cardboard Fire Engine
Materials needed:
- A large rectangular cardboard carton
- Craft knife
- Red and White non-toxic paint
- Paint brush
- Two small yellow paper plates
- Four large black paper plates (you can color white paper plates with marker if you don't
have colored plates, or use construction paper, painted cardboard, foil or aluminum pie tins)
- A 3-5' piece of garden hose (or rope)
Cover an area on the floor, or outside, with newspaper or an old sheet. Cut the bottom out
of the carton with a craft knife. Open out the two long top flaps. Cut square holes in them
as shown to make the flaps into "ladders".
Let your child paint the ladders white and the rest of the carton red. When the paint has dried, attach
two small yellow paper plates for headlights and four large black paper plates for wheels. Cut holes for
handles in the front and back of the fire engine. Add a section of garden hose, or rope, to hang out
the back hole. Let your child climb inside the fire engine and drive it to imaginary fire scenes.
You can incorporate this fire truck into a fire-prevention teaching strategy for your child, by discussing
fire safety and adding some additional elements.
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