Keep lighters out of sight and out of the reach of children. Children as young as two years old are capable of lighting cigarette lighters . Never encourage or allow a child to play with a lighter or to think of it as a toy. Do not use a lighter as a source of amusement for a child. Once their curiosity is aroused, children may seek out a lighter and try to light it.

Keep lighters out of the reach of elderly persons who may have difficulty in the safe use of lighters.

Supervise young children closely. Do not leave them alone even for short periods of time.

Purchase child-resistant lighters. Remember, these lighters are child resistant, not childproof.

Keep lighters in a secure drawer or cabinet.

Have your children tell you when they find lighters.

Check under beds , evidence your child may be playing with fire.

Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching children fire is a tool, not a toy.

Teaching the child fire safe behaviors early can reduce the level of curiosity, thereby removing the child's urge to experiment on their own. Education and information are the two best weapons that a parent has to prevent a child from experiencing a burn injury. If you do not know what to teach your child, contact your local fire department.