Fire Safety Week Activities for Homeschool Parents and Early Childhood Educators: Free Resources and Printables

The month of October is when Fire Safety Week is celebrated. The goal of Fire Safety Week is to educate people on how to prevent fires and what to do in the event there is a fire. Fire Safety Week is observed during the week of October 9^th to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 a fire that is the most famous fire that killed hundreds of people and destroyed large parts of the city. Fire Safety is a great time to also recognize the important work that first responders and firefighters do to protect people during fires.

In schools and homeschool classrooms, educators can have their students participate in lessons about fire prevention through books, watching short videos and activities that will get their wheels spinning. When we instill safety habits in children at a young age, it can help prevent future tragedies and promote fire safety practices to last a lifetime. As homeschool parents and early childhood educators, you can make this week both educational and fun through activities that are engaging, offer hands on learning and through storytelling.

Why Fire Safety Matters

Education about fire safety teaches children how to prevent fires and what exactly to do if one sparks. It promotes confidence understanding emergency protocols such as stop, drop and roll as well as the importance of having an escape plan in place. By exposing children to a variety of learning tools such as videos, books and interactive activities, they can gain a better understanding of the importance of these safety lessons.

Keep reading to learn more about my story and why Fire Safety Week is so important to me. Below I will also share great books to introduce fire safety, resources I used while in the classroom and a few pictures of crafts as well.

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Fire Safety Read Alouds

Miss Mingo and the Fire Drill by Jamie Harper

Miss Mingo, a flamingo teacher prepares her class of animal students for their first fire drill. Each animal reacts differently based on its natural instincts and personality traits. Through their different behaviors, students learn how to calmly respond to emergencies, with Miss Mingo guiding them every step of the way.

Get Out! Stay Out! by Charles Ghigna

This rhyming book introduces children to fire safety rules through a catchy, easy to understand narrative. The story emphasizes the importance of listening to instructions during a fire emergency, knowing how to exit a building safely, and understanding the rule to never go back inside. It’s a fun and informative way to teach little ones how to stay safe during a fire.

Fire! Fire! by Gail Gibbons

This is an informational picture book that introduces little ones to the work of firefighters and fire safety. The story begins with a fire starting in a city, showing how firefighters respond quickly to put it out. The book also explores fires in different settings, including a country house, a forest and a ship. Each situation highlights how firefighters use specific tools and techniques for different types of fires. With illustrations and clear explanations, Gibbons teaches children about fire prevention, firefighting, and the importance of staying safe in emergencies.

Fire Drill by Paul DuBois Jacobs and Jennifer Swender

In this book, students experience their first fire drill at school. The story follows a group of students as they navigate the drill, learning to stay calm, listen to their teacher, and follow safety procedures. The book stresses the importance of practice in staying safe during an emergency, making fire drills less scary and more routine for young children.

Firefighters A to Z by Chris L. Demarest

This alphabet book takes little ones through the daily life of firefighters. Each letter introduces a key concept related to firefighting, from the tools they use to the actions they take to save lives. Bright pictures and simple text teach children about the bravery and dedication of firefighters while providing basic fire safety knowledge.

The poster from Autism Educators can help learners visualize the fire drill process while reinforcing fire safety habits. This poster is ideal for classrooms and homeschool spaces to ensure students are prepared.

The Fire is an emergent reader created by Ferrell in First that introduces young readers to fire safety.

The fire safety number recognition activity by KinderCounts1 from TPT is a fun educational resource to teach little ones about fire safety while reinforcing their number skills.

The what I know about fire safety writing activity can be used as an extension activity to culminate fire safety week. Students can use it to write how they can stay safe in the event of a fire. If students are not able to write their thoughts, they can draw a picture to show how they can stay safe. Teachers can then have students tell about their picture while writing the narrative to support it. Click here to get your free copy.

Below are a few memorable moments from the past. I was so fortunate to have a parent at the time come in and educate the class on his job as a firefighter and show the class what a dressed out firefighter looks like. Many children have been known to be fearful of firefighters with their uniform and face mask on and have actually hidden which can be detrimental in the end.

Fire Safety Week is a week that is near and dear to my heart, not because I am a mother, teacher and a wife but because I am also a survivor of a house fire. In the blink of an eye, my family’s life was flipped upside down and the importance of fire safety became so real. Every year when this week comes around, I am reminded of how fragile life can be and how critical it is to be prepared.

The Day Everything Changed

It was a typical morning. I was getting the kids ready for school and we were in the bathroom brushing our teeth when we moved to the bedroom to get dressed and out the door in time for morning meeting. It was at that moment our world was turned upside down.

Looking up at the ceiling seeing orange flames dripping from the vent and smoke swarming throughout the room was the first sign, our smoke detector NEVER alarmed us. What followed was a blur of shouting, grabbing the kids and running down the stairs. We were so fortunate. The fire department arrived quickly but we lost so much that day. Things can be rebuilt, furniture can be replaced, but the emotional scars, that feeling that your home is no longer safe, those stay with you forever. We were so lucky to get out unharmed but not everyone is as fortunate. That is why fire safety has become a very personal mission for me.

Why Fire Safety Matters

Prior to the fire, I was the type of person who thought, that it could never happen to us. I had heard the slogan, stop, drop and roll and had some vague knowledge of fire safety but I never used that information. We had smoke detectors all over the house but we hadn’t checked them and definitely didn’t talk about a escape plan or designated meeting spot. Moments after the fire, I realized how unprepared we were. Fires spread so much faster than you can imagine, there is no time for stopping, hesitating or trying to grab your belongings although mom sent Mario back in to grab ours, that is a topic for another day.

Lessons Learned

February 2025 makes 10 years since the fire. Since then, I have become more dedicated to making sure those around me are prepared for the worst while hoping at the same time they do not ever have to experience it. Here are a few things I have learned.

Create an escape plan

Practice fire drills so everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire making sure to have two different ways to get out of the rooms in the home or school.

Pick a safe meeting place

An area outside of the home/school should be designated for everyone to meet to do a quick check for everyone in case anyone has been left inside.

Smoke detectors can save lives

Every 30 days, make it a habit to check the smoke detectors replacing batteries at least once a year.

Never go back inside

Once you have left out of your home/school, do NOT go back inside, it can cost your life.

Going Forward

Living through a house fire impacted my life in so many ways. I am so grateful for the little things. I am very protective of my family and I am extremely passionate about spreading awareness on the importance of fire safety. Fire Safety Week is the perfect time to make sure your home/school is safe and everyone is ready for an emergency if need be.

We were able to rebuild our home after a lengthy process and while we lost some irreplaceable things, we still have what matters most, each other. Please do not wait for a tragedy to take action. Learn from my experience and be proactive about fire safety that is why I am sharing my story with you today. If it helps even one family avoid complete devastation, it is worth it.