The Library will be closed on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in observance of Easter

Get Prepared During Fire Safety Month!

Shanna Kim, Children's Librarian, Children's Literature Department,
Collage of fire safety books
We've got resources to talk to kids about fire safety, how to make an emergency kit, creating an emergency plan, and much more

Recently, California has suffered extreme heat and forest fires. As of October 5, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) reported that the number of acres burned during the 2020 fire season has exceeded 4 million. Unfortunately, fire season is far from over.

October is Fire Safety Month, and it is more important than ever to prepare for fire-related emergencies for your kids and educate them about fire safety. As I read about Californians fleeing their homes from the August Complex, Glass, and Creek fires, I wondered: Am I prepared for a fire-related emergency?

If you are wondering the same thing, the Los Angeles Public Library has you covered! We've got resources to talk to kids about fire safety, how to make an emergency kit, creating an emergency plan, and much more.

The Los Angeles Public Library's Emergency Preparedness page is a great resource when getting organized and prepared for any emergency, including fires. A comprehensive list of links from the City and County of Los Angeles is merged with national resources. There is also a booklist of recommended books for adults on emergency preparedness.

Below are book recommendations to share with kids to begin conversations about fire safety and books for adults on how to prepare for emergencies of all kinds.

Book Recommendations for Kids: Preschool - Grade 1


Book cover for Little Smokey
Little Smokey
Neubecker, Robert

Little Smokey wants to help her team of bigger planes fight fires, but she's too small! However, she doesn't let that deter her—with practice, perseverance, and bravery, she helps her team to save the day.


Book cover for No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids (and Dragons)
No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids (and Dragons)
Pendziwol, Jean

In rhyming verse, this story of a little girl who invites a fire-breathing dragon to tea will teach your little one all about fire safety.


Book cover for Richard Scarry's a Day at the Fire Station
Richard Scarry's a Day at the Fire Station
Scarry, Huck

With so much to look at and learn, your little one will love poring over the details of Richard Scarry's fire station. 


Book cover for Let's Meet a Firefighter
Let's Meet a Firefighter
Bellisario, Gina

Learn about the tools and equipment firefighters need, as well as fire safety at home and on the job.


Book cover for The Fire Station
The Fire Station
Munsch, Robert N.

Michael and Sheila visit a fire station. While they explore a firetruck, suddenly an alarm blares and the kids are off to put out a fire!


Book cover for The Great Big Fire Engine Book
The Great Big Fire Engine Book

A classic book about fire engines for those who appreciate vintage 1950s flair!


Book cover for Dot the Fire Dog
Dot the Fire Dog
Desimini, Lisa

Dogs help fight fires too! Dot the dalmatian will take you on an emergency trip to save a burning house.


Book cover for Fire Trucks
Fire Trucks
Lindeen, Mary

This early reader is the perfect nonfiction book primer on fire trucks!


Book Recommendations for Kids: Grades 3-5


Book cover for I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871
I Survived the Great Chicago Fire, 1871
Tarshis, Lauren

In this exciting chapter book, Oscar Starling defies the odds to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. A page-turning, educational read! 


Book cover for What Was the Great Chicago Fire?
What Was the Great Chicago Fire?
Pascal, Janet B.

From the popular What Was…series, this book covers the epic Great Chicago Fire and also explores the fascinating history of fire fighting. 


Book cover for Forest Fire!
Forest Fire!
Ganeri, Anita

Learn about the causes of forest fires and their effects.


Book Recommendations for Adults


Book cover for Prepare Your Family for Survival
Prepare Your Family for Survival
Loosli, Linda

Learn about the basics of preparing for food and water shortages, 72-hour survival kits, and evacuation plans. Also includes guides on emergency survival. 


Book cover for The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes - and Why
The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes - and Why
Ripley, Amanda.

Award-winning journalist Amanda Ripley explores human responses to recent disasters (such as the people who survived the 9/11 World Trade Center terrorist attack) from a scientific lens. She consults with brain scientists, trauma psychologists, and other disaster experts for a fascinating examination of our brains, evolutionary responses, and social responses to disaster.



 

 

 

Top