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
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.
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.
With so much to look at and learn, your little one will love poring over the details of Richard Scarry's fire station.
Learn about the tools and equipment firefighters need, as well as fire safety at home and on the job.
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!
A classic book about fire engines for those who appreciate vintage 1950s flair!
Dogs help fight fires too! Dot the dalmatian will take you on an emergency trip to save a burning house.
This early reader is the perfect nonfiction book primer on fire trucks!
Book Recommendations for Kids: Grades 3-5
In this exciting chapter book, Oscar Starling defies the odds to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. A page-turning, educational read!
From the popular What Was…series, this book covers the epic Great Chicago Fire and also explores the fascinating history of fire fighting.
Learn about the causes of forest fires and their effects.
Book Recommendations for Adults
Learn about the basics of preparing for food and water shortages, 72-hour survival kits, and evacuation plans. Also includes guides on emergency survival.
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.