Teaching children fire safety Published Jan. 31, 2012 By 2nd Lt. Katherine Ward 17th Training Wing Safety GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas-- -- As members of the Goodfellow family, we all know our mission is to "train world-class Firefighting and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance warriors." But part of our Goodfellow family also includes our non-military family members, to include fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, our children, etc. To continue our mission outside our typical military duties between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. it is important that we educate our entire family about fire safety. It is vital to begin educating our children on fire safety when they are young because they are so impressionable, and they can learn necessary lessons to carry with them throughout their entire lives. Here are some poems and jingles to teach your young ones. The first one is to teach your children about the importance of using 911 in an emergency, and it is known as the "911 Rap." I know a number that is really hot. It's only for people in a hot, hot spot. If you see a fire, If you see a crime, The number is the same every single time. This very special number is never for fun. This very special number is 911. This second song is sung to, "Skip to my Lou," and it is used to educate your children on several situations involving fire hazard situations. I found matches what do I do? I found matches what do I do? I found matches what do I do? I'll throw them away or give them to you. I see a fire, what do I do? I see a fire, what do I do? I see a fire, what do I do? I'll get help- that's what I'll do. If my clothes catch on fire If my clothes catch on fire If my clothes catch on fire I will know just what to do: Stop, Drop; lay down and roll Stop, Drop; lay down and roll Stop, Drop; lay down and roll This is what we all should do! The third jingle and rhyme is to teach a child what to do when they encounter smoke inside a house or building, and it is known as the "Smoke Chant." If you don't want to choke Crawl under the smoke. Get down on the floor And head for the door. This last song can be sung to the tune of "Popeye the Sailor Man," and it is recommended to use a dog puppet to sing and teach your child! It is titled, "Fire Safety Song." I'm Fire Safety Sam. (ruff, ruff) I'm Fire Safety Sam. (ruff, ruff) Please test smoke detectors 'Cause they're home protectors. I'm Fire Safety Sam. (ruff, ruff) *Substitute lines 3 and 4 with the following words for new verses* It's important to say ... With matches, don't play. If there's smoke you should know, you'd better crawl low. Have a fire escape plan. Every family can. If there's a fire, get out. Use your escape route. Go to a neighbor's when alone, Then call 9-1-1 on the phone. Clothes on fire? Here's your goal: First stop, then drop, and roll! Another fun and useful way to teach your children about fire safety is to introduce them to Smokey the Bear. He is a mascot who educates kids on forest fire safety. Take your children on a field trip to the nearest office of the National Forest Service and you might get the chance to meet Smokey the Bear in person. Smokey offers fun activities and other useful information at his website, www.smokeybear.com.