Arkansas Children's Hospital - Fire Safety Houses

What is it?

The mobile Fire Safety House is a teaching tool for instructing school-age children on how to best respond should their homes catch on fire. With two training rooms, props, and non-toxic smoke, the Fire Safety House teaches children about smoke alarms, checking doors, two ways out, and the importance of not hiding during a fire. In addition to the Fire Safety House based at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH), additional houses are located in the fire departments in Rogers, Newport, Camden, and McGehee to better serve the entire state. Any of these houses may be reserved through ACH in cooperation with local fire departments.

Who is it for?

As Arkansas’ only pediatric medical center, ACH offers programs targeted at all children in the state. This program is focused primarily on children in elementary school.

Why do they do it?

The hospital’s community outreach programs – collectively called “Working on Wellness” – reflect ACH’s emphasis on reaching children and adults throughout Arkansas with informative health education programs relating to child safety, wellness, and prevention.

Impact

In school year 2010-2011, the Fire Safety Houses traveled to 110 sites and educated 19, 838 children. In 2011-2012, 58 sites were visited, impacting 17,078 children. Due to the interest and effectiveness of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital program, many local fire departments around the state have now purchased or built their own houses to use in local communities. More children than ever in Arkansas are now receiving this important and potentially life-saving information related to house fire safety.

Contact: Charles Maxwell
Community Outreach Specialist
Telephone: 501-364-5655
E-mail: maxwellca@archildrens.org