Fire Safety Merit Badge

Introduction

The Fire Safety Merit Badge is all about learning how to prevent and respond to fires. As a scout, it's important to know how to keep yourself and others safe in case of an emergency.

Merit Badge Requirements

Explain the chemistry and physics of fire.
Explain how fire is classified and how each classification of fire is extinguished.
Describe the common causes of residential fires and how to prevent them.
Explain what to do in case of a fire in your home.
Explain the importance of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Explain how to maintain them.
Do the following:
1. Conduct a home safety survey with the help of an adult.
2. Identify potential fire hazards in the home and discuss with your family ways to correct them.
3. Discuss fire escape routes in your home with your family.
4. Practice a home fire drill with your family.
Do the following:
1. Explain the role of human behavior in the arson problem in America.
2. Describe the fire triangle.
3. Explain the difference between arson and accidental fires.
4. Explain the importance of reporting suspicious behavior that may lead to arson.
Do ONE of the following:
1. Visit a fire station or a fire truck. Identify the different types of fire trucks and their functions. Explain the importance of each.
2. Write a report on a historic fire that occurred in your area. Explain how the fire started, what actions were taken to put it out, and how it could have been prevented.

Lesson

Hey there, scouts! Today we're going to learn all about fire safety. Did you know that fire is a chemical reaction that needs three things to happen? Those things are heat, fuel, and oxygen. When those three things come together, you get fire!

Now, let's talk about the different classifications of fire. There are four classes of fire: A, B, C, and D. Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles like wood and paper. Class B fires involve flammable liquids like gasoline and oil. Class C fires involve electrical equipment. And Class D fires involve flammable metals like magnesium and titanium.

So, how do you put out a fire? Well, it depends on the class of fire. For Class A fires, you can use water or a fire extinguisher. For Class B fires, you can use a fire extinguisher or smother the fire with a fire blanket. For Class C fires, you need to turn off the electricity before you can put out the fire. And for Class D fires, you need a special type of fire extinguisher that's designed for that type of fire.

Now, let's talk about preventing fires. One of the most common causes of residential fires is cooking. Always make sure to keep an eye on your food when you're cooking and never leave the stove unattended. Another common cause of fires is smoking. If you smoke, make sure to do it outside and never leave your cigarette butt on the ground. And always make sure to have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

Okay, scouts, let's review. What are the three things that fire needs to happen? That's right, heat, fuel, and oxygen. And what are the four classes of fire? A, B, C, and D. Great job!

Questions

What are some common causes of residential fires?
What should you do if there's a fire in your home?
What's the difference between Class A and Class B fires?
Why is it important to have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home?

Remember, if you have any questions about the Fire Safety Merit Badge, don't hesitate to ask your merit badge counselor. And make sure to follow up with them to complete the merit badge!

Schedule

Week	Task
1	Read and study the merit badge requirements.
2	Learn about the chemistry and physics of fire.
3	Learn about the different classifications of fire and how to extinguish them.
4	Learn about the common causes of residential fires and how to prevent them.
5	Conduct a home safety survey and practice a home fire drill.
6	Learn about the role of human behavior in the arson problem in America.
7	Visit a fire station or write a report on a historic fire.