Evidence-based practices of effective fire safety education programming for children

This peer-reviewed study identifies evidence-based practices for fire safety education programs delivered to children in schools by fire services. Through a rapid evidence assessment of existing literature, the researchers identified 25 evidence-based practices that work across different contexts and study designs. These practices form a framework to guide the development of new fire safety programs and improvement of existing ones. Fire safety education is presented as the most changeable strategy fire services can use to prevent children from misusing fire or being harmed by it.

Key points

• 25 evidence-based practices for fire safety education were identified from a rapid evidence assessment
• These practices held true across varied contexts and methodologically diverse studies
• Fire safety education is the single most modifiable strategy fire services organisations can implement to reduce fire-related harm to children
• An empirical framework was developed from these practices to guide program development and evaluation
• No overarching evidence-based guidelines for fire safety education program development existed prior to this work

Limitations

The document provides only the abstract and does not detail what the 25 evidence-based practices are, making it impossible to assess their specific content or applicability. No information is given about the geographic scope of the studies reviewed or how fire safety education effectiveness was measured.