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# State Fire Marshal’s Office Shares Fire Safety Tips for Young and Old
- URL: https://www.jeffcobeacon.com/state-fire-marshalls-office-shares-fire-safety-tips-for-young-and-old/
- Published: 2026-09-16T01:59:37.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-16T16:08:04.000Z
- Description: Smoke alarms and making a family exit plan can help prevent deaths in cases of emergency.
- Author: Meriden Vitale
- Tags: local-news, Fire Preparedness, The Washington State Fire Marshall’s Office, SFMO, East Jefferson Fire and Rescue, READY, SET, GO, Grab&Go Bag, Meriden Vitale

JEFFERSON COUNTY, WA — September is National Preparedness Month and National Campus Fire Safety Awareness Month, making it a great time to review how to stay safe when emergencies happen. The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is taking the opportunity to get the word out about fire safety, particularly for the youngest and oldest among us. 

During the summer, wildfires get a lot of attention; but as the weather turns, and wood stoves light up, it’s important to think about fire safety inside the home. Young kids can learn from parents and educators what to do in an emergency, including practicing a fire escape plan twice a year. The SFMO says families can create a designated meeting spot and tell kids to stay there during a fire. They also recommend letting kids hear a smoke alarm, so that they will recognize when they need to exit their home or a building. 

During an earlier Beacon interview, East Jefferson Fire Rescue Chief Bret Black encouraged families to have a clear emergency plan and to prepare a Grab&Go Bag for leaving home in a hurry. Jefferson County has information on what to include in a basic preparedness kit on their [website](https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1104/Be-Prepared?ref=jeffcobeacon.com), including food and water for three days, important documents and medication. Black also mentioned the [READY, SET, GO](https://gacc.nifc.gov/gbcc/dispatch/ut-cdc/prevention/doc/ready%5Fset%5Fgo.pdf?ref=jeffcobeacon.com) evacuation program—a framework designed to help residents make timely decisions in the face of danger. 

In Washington state last year, approximately 5% of fire deaths involved children under the age of 18\. The SFMO suggests teaching kids not to play with fire hazards; including matches, lighters, candles and cooking equipment. Parents are encouraged to help little ones learn the phrase “Get out and Stay Out,” in addition to how to get low and crawl to the nearest exit if there’s smoke. To prevent emergencies, create a buffer zone around safety risks like fireplaces, stoves and space heaters.

Fire safety for older adults is just as important. The SFMO noted that in Washington state, older adults accounted for over 50% of reported fire fatalities. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that adults over the age of 65 are more than twice as likely to perish in a fire compared to the general population. 

It is recommended to have a smoke alarm on each level of the home and carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas; and to test alarms monthly. There are also alarms for the hearing and visually impaired that feature bed shakers or strobe lights to alert to an emergency. 

The SFMO suggests keeping walkways clear of clutter and any medical or mobility aids nearby, especially while sleeping. When cooking, stay in the kitchen and use timers to remember to check on food. Adults are also encouraged to create a fire escape plan with two exits and to make sure everyone in the household knows the plan.

Planning and preparation can go a long way in the face of an emergency, when adrenaline is running high. Practice makes a real difference for the whole family and sharing basic readiness skills means fewer lives lost. 

For additional questions about fire safety and preparedness reach out to the SFMO at (360) 596-3904.