City of Zion Fire Department Station

🔥 Stop, Drop, and Roll

Objective

To teach children what they should do if their clothes catch on fire.

Skill Taught

Stop, Drop, and Roll

Background

Stop, Drop, and Roll is a simple but vital procedure to extinguish clothing fires. Children are often inclined to panic and run when their clothes catch fire — but running and waving the arms only fans the flames, providing more oxygen and making the fire burn hotter and faster.

The Lesson

During the session, firefighters will:

  • Explain the ways clothing can catch on fire
  • Explain why running will make the flames get bigger
  • Demonstrate how Stop, Drop, and Roll can put the fire out
  • Conduct practice sessions so children fully understand the procedure

STOP

  • The first and most important action is to stop immediately. Do not run — running makes the flames grow.

DROP

  • Drop to the floor or ground and cover your face with your hands.
  • Flames burn upward, and there’s a risk of inhaling flames, superheated air, and toxic gases.
  • Dropping down and covering the face helps protect from burns and inhalation injuries.

ROLL

  • Roll over and over on the ground to smother the flames.
  • Keep rolling until all the flames are completely out.

Remember: STOP ➜ DROP ➜ ROLL
Practice often — it could save your life.

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