California’s fire season brings more than just smoky skies — it brings real risks, especially for young children. The recent fires in LA have given all Southern California families an up-close view of the very real dangers wildfires present. At Ocean Pediatrics we care deeply about your family’s safety and well-being all year round, but especially when fire season comes around. We want to ensure you feel prepared, informed, and confident during fire season. 

Here’s how to stay safe and safeguard your little ones.

Talk about wildfire safety in a calm, caring way

Before diving into safety instructions, take a moment to connect with your children. Fire safety can be a big, scary topic — but how you bring up the issue makes all the difference. Choose a quiet time, use gentle words, and let your children ask questions. Reassure them that you have a plan, and that learning these steps is just another way your family takes care of one another. When you stay calm, they feel calm too — and that helps them absorb what they need to know.

Introduce them to “stop, drop and roll”

When it comes to fire safety tips for kids, first and foremost you have to teach children what to do if their clothes should ever catch on fire. The classic “stop, drop, and roll” is still the gold standard:

• Stop: Freeze in place — don’t run.
• Drop: Get low to the ground quickly.
• Roll: Cover the face with hands and roll around until the flames are out.

Practice this together regularly, so it becomes second nature.

Avoid outdoor fires and fireworks

While bonfires and sparklers may seem fun, they’re not worth the risk during dry months. California’s hot, windy conditions can turn a small flame into a wildfire in seconds. Teach kids and teens to avoid:

• Starting backyard fires
• Using matches or lighters
• Playing with fireworks — even the small ones

Encouraging safe habits early helps prevent accidents later.

Remind teens to be fire-wise

Older children and teens may not realize the impact of small actions. Remind them that even something like throwing a candle on dry ground or revving a dirt bike near brush can spark a blaze. Encourage responsible behavior and let them know their choices matter — for their safety and the safety of the entire community.

Teach them how to protect their lungs from smoky air

If a wildfire does break out in your area, you’ll want your children to be prepared. Let them know that smoke can trigger asthma, allergies, and respiratory irritation — even in healthy children. To protect your family’s lungs, you’ll want to keep windows and doors closed, use HEPA air purifiers if you have them, limit outdoor play on smoky days, and use N95 masks if they need to go outside.

If your child has asthma or respiratory issues, make sure medications are current and follow your care plan closely.

Create your evacuation plan

Wildfires can spread rapidly, and evacuation orders may come with little notice. Create a family plan that includes:

• A go-bag with essentials (medications, snacks, comfort items)
• A list of emergency contacts
• A child-friendly explanation of what to do and where to go
• Practice drills so it feels less scary and more familiar

Preparation brings peace of mind. And for children, knowing their parents have a plan helps them feel secure — even in emergency situations.

We’re here for your family, no matter the season

At Ocean Pediatrics, we know that caring for your child means more than just check-ups and vaccines — it’s about being there when you need us most. Whether you’re managing asthma during smoky days or simply looking for ways to keep your child safe, we’re your home for pediatric excellence.

Our kind and caring pediatric professionals are ready to help with all your family’s medical needs, at three convenient locations across Orange County. To schedule an appointment, click here. Otherwise, stay safe out there!