Whether you want to be a firefighter who helps to fight fires that break out in buildings or in forests or you are just interested in fire safety, there are many important things to learn about fire science. Some firefighters are people who earn a living battling fires, while other people volunteer as firefighters in their local communities. Everyone needs to understand how to prevent fires to stay safe. Learn about basic fire safety so you know what to do if a fire breaks out.
What Is Fire Science?
Fire science is the study of fires and how to prevent and fight them. People who want to become firefighters go to school to study fire science. You might go to a university or to a local community college, or you might get an online degree in fire science. Once you have your degree, you’ll be ready to get a job as a firefighter.
- The Science Behind Fire: Being a firefighter isn’t as easy as just spraying water on flames. You have to learn a lot about how fires behave and what you should use to put them out.
- Fighting Fires With Science: Researchers are always working on new ways to help firefighters put out fires.
- What Is Fire Science? Find out what you can learn if you go to school for fire science.
- What Jobs Are Available With a Fire Science Major?: You might get a job as a fire investigator, as a smoke jumper, or as a fire chief with a fire science degree.
- Majoring in Fire Science: Studying fire science teaches you how to use tools to fight fires, how to control fires, how to rescue victims, and how to manage hazardous materials.
Firefighter Safety
Firefighters put their lives at risk whenever they work to fight fires. For this reason, firefighters have protective gear such as helmets and special coats and overalls. The coats and overalls are made of special fabrics that don’t catch fire easily and that protect against high temperatures. Firefighters also have special equipment that helps them fight fires safety.
- 16 Ways for Firefighters to Stay Safe: Safety needs to be a top priority for firefighters.
- Fighting Wildfires: Firefighters fighting wildfires often work long work hours in dangerous conditions, putting them at high risk for injuries.
- Getting to Know Firefighter and Fire Safety Facts: Firefighters wear gear such as a helmet and jacket to keep them safe as they fight fires.
- COVID-19: Resources to Keep You Safe and Informed: Firefighters are also using special gear to keep them safe from COVID-19 as they fight fires.
- Virtual Reality Training May Save Firefighters’ Lives: Firefighters can use virtual reality training to re-create hazardous situations so they know what to do.
- Advancing Fire Safety Science to Protect People and Property: The Underwriters Laboratory Firefighter Safety Research Institute works to learn more about fire safety and share this information with firefighters.
- Firefighters Stay Safe in Heat: Firefighters need special monitoring when they fight fires due to the extreme heat they encounter.
- Q&A: How Do Firefighters Battling Massive Forest Fires Stay Safe? Protective equipment and adequate rest are two things that firefighters need to stay safe as they fight forest fires.
Fire Prevention
One of the most important ways to stay safe from fires is to prevent them in the first place. Everyone can help to prevent fires. Always cook carefully in the kitchen, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of flames. Supervise candles at all times, and keep pets and small children away from any type of fire.
- Fire Safety Tips for Your Home: Keep lighters and matches out of the reach of small children, and supervise cooking carefully in the kitchen.
- Safety Tips: Fire Safety and Prevention: Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are important things to have in your home for fire safety.
- Cooking Safety: Always stay in the kitchen while cooking is going on so that you can supervise the process.
- Fire Safety: Always use electrical appliances correctly and make sure cords are in good condition to stay safe from fires.
- Fire Safety for Seniors: Electrical fires are dangerous, so it’s important to use extension cords only temporarily and never run extension cords under rugs or carpets.
- Fire Extinguishers: A portable fire extinguisher is OK to use for a very small and confined fire only.
- Home Fire Escape Planning: Creating an escape plan in the event of a fire is part of home fire safety.
- Home Fires: Fire is fast and hot, and it’s also very deadly.
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Every home should have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level.
EMT Certification
If you want to help others in emergencies but don’t want to fight fires, you might want to become an emergency medical technician. EMTs are trained to respond in emergencies when people are hurt or are sick. EMTs know how to take care of people, and they also transport people to the hospital quickly in ambulances. Earning an EMT certification usually involves taking classes at a local community college.
- What Is CPR? CPR stands for “cardiopulmonary resuscitation,” and it’s a procedure that can save someone’s life if their heart stops beating.
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): First Aid: If someone has a heart attack or drowns, performing CPR can restart their heart and keep oxygen moving through their body.
- CPR: A Real Lifesaver: A rescuer does chest compressions, checks the airway, and does rescue breathing when performing CPR.
- Emergency Medical Technicians: When people need emergency care outside of a hospital, emergency medical technicians provide it.
Other Ways to Stay Safe
Learning about fires and safety is important, but you can also have fun while you learn. Play games, sing songs, and work on puzzles to learn important rules for safety. You might also take a tour of a local fire department to meet real firefighters and EMTs. Learning what to do in emergencies helps you to be prepared for unexpected problems.
- Water Safety: Fill in the Blanks: Complete these sentences by choosing words to fill in the blanks.
- Stop, Drop, and Roll: This activity teaches you what to do if your clothing catches on fire.
- Fire Safety Word Scramble: Unscramble fire safety words to see how much you know about fire safety.
- Ten Activities for Teaching Kids About Fire Safety: Learn more about fire safety by taking a field trip to the fire department.
- Infographic: Fire Safety: This graphic teaches you about the importance of having a smoke alarm in your home.
- Injury Prevention and Safety: Stay safe while you swim, ride your bike, and play in your home.
- Safe in the Sun: Part of overall safety means protecting your skin while you’re outdoors playing in the sun.
- Farm Safety: Fun Style: If you spend time on a farm, stay aware of your surroundings so you are safe from animals and machinery.
- Triple Zero Kids’ Challenge: Learn about emergencies by playing bingo, singing songs, and playing other safety games.
- What Can You Do? You may be a kid, but you can have a big impact on fire prevention.