MATCHES AND LIGHTERS

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MAIN (Return to Top)

1. Are matches and lighters kept out of the reach of children?
   Keep matches and lighters out of sight and out of the reach of children. Children as young as two years old are capable of lighting cigarette lighters and matches. Never encourage or allow a child to play with matches or a lighter or to think of it as a toy. Do not use a lighter as a source of amusement for a child. Once their curiosity is aroused, children may seek out a lighter and try to light it.

2. Are matches and cigarette lighters kept out of the reach of impaired elderly persons who are "bedridden" or are otherwise unable to safely use matches or lighters?
   Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of elderly persons who may have difficulty in the safe use of matches and lighters.

ADDITIONAL TIPS (Return to Top)

• Supervise young children closely. Do not leave them alone even for short periods of time.
• Purchase child-resistant lighters. Remember, these lighters are child resistant, not childproof.
• Keep matches and lighters in a secure drawer or cabinet.
• Have your children tell you when they find matches or lighters.
• Check under beds and in closets for burned matches, evidence your child may be playing with fire.
• Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching children fire is a tool, not a toy. Teaching the child fire safe behaviors early can reduce the level of curiosity, thereby removing the child's urge to experiment on their own. Education and information are the two best weapons that a parent has to prevent a child from experiencing a burn injury. If you do not know what to teach your child, contact your local fire department.

The safety information enclosed was compiled from the best sources available to us. The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and authors cannot assume any liability for its effectiveness in every emergency situation.