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Novelty or Toy Lighters
Safety Interventions for Parents:
- Scrutinize the toys you purchase for children for safe operation, children should never be allowed to play with electric matches, novelty or toy looking lighters or toys that simulate dangerous adult tools such as tape measures, saws, knives or guns.
- Teach children about the safe uses of fire and of the dangers of fire as well.
- If your child expresses curiosity about fire or has been playing with fire, calmly but with firm commitment explain that matches and lighters are tools for adults only and are not to be played with.
- Store matches, electric matches, novelty matches and automatic lighters up high, out of children’s sight, and out of their reach, and preferably in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave matches or lighters in a bedroom or any place where children may go without supervision.Never use matches or lighters as a source of amusement or play in front of children; they will imitate what you do when you are not looking.
- Use only lighters designed with child-resistant features. Remember child-resistant does not mean child proof.
- Teach small children to tell a parent, teacher or trusted adult if they find matches or lighters on the ground, in the weeds, in a sand-pile or on the playground.
- School aged children are not to pick up dangerous items, but they are to tell a parent, teacher or trusted adult if they find any dangerous materials on the ground or in a play yard; matches, lighters, cigarettes, needles, guns or broken glass are of grave concern when found.
- If you suspect your child is intentionally setting fires or unduly fascinated with fire, get help. Your local fire department, school, or community-counseling agency can put you in touch with trained experts who can help.
