It may not be as fun a topic as, say, superheroes or unicorns, but discussing fire safety with preschoolers is crucial. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, each year, an estimated 300 people are killed and $280 million in property is destroyed as a result of children playing with fire. More specifically, notes Stanford Medicine, the majority of these fires are started when curious kids are left unattended in either their bedroom or the living room.
It’s impossible for parents and caregivers to have their eyes on little ones 24/7, but covering the basics of fire safety for kids will definitely put you ahead of the game. And what better way to drive home this super important information to preschoolers than with a craft they can get immersed in and then hold (or hang!) as a tangible result?!
From toilet paper roll “fires” to the classic firefighter hat, these easy fire safety crafts for preschoolers are both fun to do and educational. (And, yes, you likely already have everything you need in your cupboard.)
Fire safety crafts that require only glue, scissors and paper
Got glue? What about paper? A pair of scissors? Then you have everything you need on hand to create these easy fire safety crafts for preschoolers.
1. Shape firetruck
These cute shape firetrucks from Share and Remember are about as simple as it gets — and it helps drive home the message of “get out and stay out” (only firefighters should enter the home!). And in addition to being a fire safety craft, it’s a great activity for preschoolers learning their shapes.
2. 911 fire safety craft
You can either freehand draw the numbers for this 911 fire safety craft from Live, Laugh, I Love Kindergarten or download a free template (linked to on the site). Either way, it’s simple to do and a great way to display what numbers to dial in an emergency.
3. “I see a firetruck”
One of the easiest fire safety crafts for preschoolers. Somewhat similar to the shape firetruck craft, which reminds preschoolers that firefighters — and firefighters only! — enter a burning home, this “I see a firetruck” craft from Kindershenanigans puts less emphasis on shapes and more on sight words. Consider doing both for a full-on lesson!
4. “Don’t hide, go outside”
OK, fine, you need markers for this fire safety craft from All Kids Network, but you have them somewhere in the house (hopefully capped!), right? When the kids are done, be sure to display this important message prominently, so the kids see it everyday. Again, get out and stay out!
Fire safety crafts for preschoolers that require paint (or a little more)
These fire safety crafts are still super simple, but a little paint or more is needed to make them come to life.
5. Watercolored flame
Preschoolers will be delighted to do to this easy watercolor fire safety craft from Our Faith Filled Home. (It’s a craft that also hones kids’ letter and color recognition.) Consider setting this up after going over — and practicing — your fire escape plan.
6. Handprint fire crew
Who enters a burning building? Firefighters only! Drive the message home with this handprint fire crew painting from Kent Fire and Rescue Service.
7. Leaf-painted fire
If you want to stick to strictly fire safety (and not letter recognition, too), this leaf-painted fire craft from Zimbo Marketing is a good option. Kids are guaranteed to get excited about painting with a leaf instead of a paintbrush. Use the leaf as an opportunity to discuss outdoor fire safety, such as bonfires, forest fires and campfires.
8. Outline-painted firetruck
This outline-painted firetruck from You’re So Creative is a fun spin on the traditional paint job. And everyone knows how satisfying that feeling is when you lift up the firetruck to see… another firetruck! Consider pairing this craft with a lesson on smoke alarms and what to do when you hear one. (Get out immediately!)
9. Light-up campfire craft
Preschoolers will definitely need the help of an adult or older sibling for this light-up campfire craft from A Noble Touch, but the result is super cool and a great reminder of campfire safety.
10. Glowing fire
Another cool fire safety craft that lights up. This “glowing fire” from Naturally Brianna Alisha is a perfectly safe fire to spark up — indoors or outdoors — anytime. A better —or at least, safer — alternative to candles when fidgety preschoolers are in the house.
11. Nature-made “fire” craft
Who doesn’t love a nature craft? This all-natural “fire” from Unlocking Fun is a creative way to combine fire safety and nature. Simply glue some sticks and leaves to a piece of construction paper after going over fire safety tips and voila! A beautifully safe fire and another chance to discuss outdoor fire safety tips.
12. DIY firefighter air tank
Fact: No preschooler will be able to resist playing with this uber-clever DIY firefighter air tank from Crayon Box Chronicles (a great way to cap a lesson on the important work firefighters do!). Adults will have to do the majority of the work here, but — need we even say it? — the final result has “kid” written all over it.
13. DIY firefighter hat
If you don’t make a firefighter hat after going over fire safety tips with preschoolers, are you even going over fire safety tips with preschoolers? This firefighter hat tutorial from Children’s Museum of Sonoma County breaks this fun craft down, step by step.
14. Toilet paper roll campfire
No glow? No problem. This cute toilet paper roll campfire from Mandy Crane is just as cute and preschoolers can do the majority of the work. And the best part? There’s no flame, which, as the kids should know by now, is the safest flame.
