{"id":590,"date":"2017-03-31T19:32:04","date_gmt":"2017-03-31T19:32:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/taylorsfirerescue.org\/wp\/?page_id=590"},"modified":"2022-04-10T15:03:37","modified_gmt":"2022-04-10T15:03:37","slug":"fire-safety-and-autism","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/taylorsfirerescue.org\/wp\/fire-safety\/fire-safety-and-autism\/","title":{"rendered":"Fire Safety – Autism"},"content":{"rendered":"

Families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other special needs face unique challenges when it comes to teaching what to do in the event of a fire.\u00a0 Our goal is to provide information and resources that will help to keep you and your loved ones safe.<\/p>\n

\"Child<\/p>\n

It is essential that your child understands what fire is and why it is dangerous. Help your child understand your family\u2019s safety rules about items in your home, such as the stove, a fireplace, matches, lighters, and candles. Look for new and innovative ways to keep your children safe such as videos or songs. Break down the message into clear, simple instructions. No one knows your child better than you. Use special techniques and tools that best fit your child’s unique abilities, such as headphones with their favorite songs or earmuffs to lessen the sounds of smoke alarms and fire trucks.<\/p>\n

The National Fire Prevention Association recommends:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"1. Fire alarms<\/strong> – be sure to have fire alarms installed on every level of your home and outside of all bedrooms. Since children with autism are often frightened by loud noises, it is important to teach them about the sounds accompanying a fire, such as smoke alarms and fire engine sirens. It is important to note that working smoke alarms reduce fatalities by fire by nearly 50%. Talking fire alarms are also available.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This cartoon video below includes the fireman teaching about and testing a smoke detector:<\/p>\n