Most of us will remember Smokey Bear, the fire safety expert in bear’s clothing. It has long been common knowledge that the best way to teach anything to children is to make it fun. A talking bear proves this to a tee. For 67 years as a matter of fact. Fire safety is certainly an important concept to teach kids, as there is a vibrant camping community in Middle Tennessee.
The Smokey Bear commercials are certainly iconic, but the Ad Council, sponsors of Smokey Bear, have developed a tip top website to teach kids and adults alike the best practices of campfires. For instance, when extinguishing a campfire, allow the fire to burn all the way down to ashes. Then, pour lots of water on it, being careful to extinguish all of the embers. Not just the red ones. Stir the ashes and embers with a shovel, and make sure everything is cool. If you don’t have water, use dirt and sand. The key phrase is if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.
Due to record temperatures and drought, wildfires have been a tragic epidemic this summer. This is why campaigns like Smokey Bear are so important. We must teach our kids how vital it is for them to be aware when out in nature. Take the time to show them how to responsibly build a campfire. Make sure they understand why it is so important to be cautious. It isn’t to put rules on them, but rather to keep everyone safe.
So, go to SmokeyBear.com. See the treasure trove of tips and information that will better enable you to teach the children in your life about fire safety. Only when they have a healthy respect for fire will they see how important it is for fire safety.