Fire Outbreak – Basic 1 Security Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

Fire outbreak is when fire starts and spreads. Fire burns things and can hurt people, so it is very dangerous and we must be very careful with it. Fire can start from matches, candles, electrical problems and cooking. If there is fire, shout for help, run out and tell an adult to call the fire service.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• say what a fire outbreak is
• name some causes of fire outbreak
• name places where fire outbreak can happen
• say what to do if there is fire
• say how to prevent fire

What is fire outbreak?

• Fire outbreak is when fire starts and spreads.
• Fire burns things and can hurt people.
• Fire is very dangerous.
• We must be very careful with fire.

What causes fire outbreak?

Fire can start in many ways. Here are six common causes.

1. Playing with matches or lighters

• Children should never play with matches.
• Matches can start a fire.
• Keep matches away from children.

2. Leaving candles burning

• When candles are left alone, they can fall and cause fire.
• Always put out candles before sleeping.

3. Electrical problems

• Too many plugs in one socket
• Old or broken wires
• These can cause fire.

4. Cooking and leaving the kitchen

• When you cook and walk away, food can burn and cause fire.
• Always watch when cooking.

5. Playing near the fire or stove

• Children playing near the kitchen fire can knock over hot things.
• This is very dangerous.

6. Putting cloth near fire

• Curtains near candles
• Clothes near the stove
• They can catch fire.

Where can fire outbreak happen?

Fire can happen in many places.

1. At home

• Kitchen: because of cooking
• Living room: because of candles or electrical items
• Bedroom: because of candles or heaters
• Store room: because of old things that can burn

2. At school

• Science laboratory
• Kitchen
• Electrical room

3. In the market

• Where people cook
• Where fuel is sold
• Near generators

4. In the bush

• Dry grass can catch fire easily.
• This is more likely during the dry season.

What should you do if there is fire?

1. Shout “FIRE! FIRE!”
   • Alert everyone.
   • Call for help loudly.
2. Run out of the building
   • Don’t hide.
   • Leave everything.
   • Go outside quickly.
3. Don’t go back inside
   • Do not go back even for your toys.
   • Wait for adults and firefighters.
4. Call the emergency number
   • The Nigerian emergency number is 112.
   • Tell an adult to call the fire service.
5. Stop, drop and roll (if your clothes catch fire)
   • Stop running.
   • Drop to the ground.
   • Roll over and over.

How can we prevent fire?

• Don’t play with matches or lighters.
• Keep away from the stove and the kitchen fire unless an adult is with you.
• Turn off electrical items when not in use.
• Don’t leave candles burning.
• If you see fire or smoke, tell an adult at once. Do not try to put out the fire yourself.
• Listen to your parents’ safety rules.

Evaluation

Choose the correct answer.

1. Fire outbreak is when fire _____.
   a) goes off
   b) starts and spreads
   c) is small
2. Children should _____ play with matches.
   a) always
   b) never
   c) sometimes
3. Fire can start in the kitchen because of _____.
   a) cooking
   b) reading
   c) sleeping
4. If there is fire, we should _____.
   a) hide
   b) run out
   c) go closer
5. We should _____ go back inside a burning building.
   a) always
   b) never
   c) quickly

Answer key for teachers

1 b, 2 b, 3 a, 4 b, 5 b

Assignment

1. Draw a fire and put an X on it (showing fire is dangerous).
2. Tell your parents 3 causes of fire.
3. With an adult watching, practise shouting “FIRE! FIRE!” at home.
4. Write: Don’t play with matches.