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STOP, DROP, ROLL
Clothes may catch fire for a number of reasons; a spark jumping from an open fire, catching a sleeve on a lit hob, or dropping a match, candle or firework. When this happens, it is terrifying. The first reaction is to panic but what is required is fast, instinctive action.
Children should be taught that if their clothes catch fire, they must not panic but act immediately to put out the flames.
Stop: A child’s natural reaction may be to run away from the fire or run to get help. The movement of running will fan the flames and make the fire more fierce. Children should be taught to stop immediately.
Drop: Flames burn upwards. Think of how a candle/ match reacts when you change its angle. Flames always move upward. If the flames are on a standing child, the flames will move towards the head. Children should know to drop to the ground to avoid flames reaching the head.
Roll: Fire needs oxygen to continue burning. By lying on the ground the flame is smothered in much the same way as putting a fire blanket over a fire. In rolling over the fire is extinguished on all sides.
Suggested classroom exercise:
Explain to children that it is important for them not to panic.
Teach children the Stop, Drop and Roll procedure.
Have the children practice the Stop, Drop and Roll procedure so that they can perform it instinctively.
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