Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL - Little Rock, Arkansas
Fire Safety Houses

What is it?
The mobile Fire Safety House is a teaching tool for instructing school-age children on how to best respond should their home catch on fire. With two training rooms, props, and non-toxic smoke, the Fire Safety House teaches children about smoke alarms, checking doors, two-ways out, and the importance of not hiding during a fire. In addition to the Fire Safety House based at ACH, additional houses are located in the fire departments in Rogers, Newport, Camden, and McGehee to better serve the entire state. Any of these houses may be reserved through ACH in cooperation with local fire departments.

Who is it for?
As Arkansas' only pediatric medical center, Children's Hospital programs are targeted at all the children in the state. This program is focused primarily on children in elementary school.

Why do they do it?
The hospital's community outreach programs - collectively called "Wellness on Wheels" - reflect Children's Hospital's emphasis on reaching children and adults throughout Arkansas with informative health education programs relating to child safety, wellness, and prevention.

Impact: In school year 2006-2007, the Fire Safety Houses traveled to 129 sites and educated 36,350 children. In 2007-2008, 115 sites were visited, impacting 29,791 children.  Due to the interest and effectiveness of the Children's Hospital program, many local fire departments around the state have now purchased or built their own houses to use in local communities.  More children than ever in Arkansas are now receiving this important and potentially life-saving information related to house fire safety.

Contact: Charles Maxwell
Community Outreach Specialist
Telephone: 501-364-5655
E-mail: maxwellca@archildrens.org