As a parent, protecting your child from anything that could hurt them is one of your highest priorities. However, we also want our children to protect themselves and show responsibility when we’re not around. Sometimes that means teaching them how to properly use certain household items or tools. Here are some tips for keeping kids safe around propane.
Babies and Toddlers
Once babies become mobile, there’s no stopping them! They love to explore their surroundings and find new things to play with. The best place to store your propane is outside–never inside your home, garage, or storage shed–in a place that is inaccessible to your baby. Building a barricade around your propane tank with bricks or cinderblocks is a great idea! Or consider storing it on an outdoor shelf that’s been mounted to a secure wall. Perhaps try storing it in a secure, fenced-off area?
Toddlers are smart and curious by nature and will attempt almost anything to get to what they want, so make sure that your propane tank is completely shut off, properly ventilated and that there are no leaks anywhere.
Older Children
Once your child is old enough to reason with and understand rules, explain what propane is and how it works. Teach them that it is not a toy, but rather a tool for adults to use.
When they are a bit older and can maintain responsibilities of their own, you can teach them how to properly use propane in its intended purpose.
Two great resources that you can utilize to teach your kids about all things fire and safety-related are Sparky School House and Sparkly.org. Both websites provide fun and interactive activities to help your child learn all about fire safety and are sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
How do you keep kids safe around propane? Drop your tips in the comments section below!
