Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Fire Safety Week: Prevention or Preparation Activity

Fire Safety Activity

Fire Prevention Week is the perfect opportunity to help students understand how small actions can make a difference in keeping themselves safe. If you're looking for a meaningful, low-prep classroom activity, try this whole-group game called "Choose a Side." The concept is similar to "Four Corners," except there are only two options in this fire prevention and fire preparedness activity. 



How the Fire Prevention and Fire Preparedness Game Works: 

Post two signs on opposite corners of your classroomone that is labeled "Preparedness" and the other labeled "Prevention".

Read a statement aloud (for example: "Practicing a fire drill at school."), and students move to the side they believe fits best. Once they've chosen, ask each group to justify their reasoning. Justifying their reasoning moves the activity beyond recallit develops higher-order thinking skills, such as analyzing, reasoning, and defending a point of view. It's simple. It's active. And it helps students understand real-life safety habits!

 

Real-Life Examples of Preparedness and Prevention

You may use the scenarios below for your classroom activity:

  • Practicing a fire drill at school  Preparedness
  • Keeping matches away from children  Prevention 
  • Drawing a family escape plan  Prevention
  • Turning off the stove when finished cooking  Prevention 
  • Checking smoke alarm batteries  Preparedness
  • Having a family meeting spot outside your home  Preparedness
  • Not playing near a fireplace  Prevention 
  • Knowing two ways out of every room  Preparedness
  • Never leaving candles unattended  Prevention
  • Using caution around hot liquids and hot food  Prevention  

 

Wrapping Up Fire Prevention Week

The "Choose a Side" classroom game helps students understand the difference between fire prevention and preparedness. Students move around the room, discuss scenarios, and justify their choices. This game compels ALL students to participate actively with each statement read aloud. The activity strengthens critical thinking skills while reviewing essential pieces of fire safety.


© 2025 Molly McMahon, Lessons by Molly

 

 

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