5-year-old boy saves family & home from fire

Paying attention to his class’s fire prevention program paid off – the kindergartner knew exactly what to do in case of emergency.

By Charyn Pfeuffer - MSN Living Editor Nov 30, 2012 11:07PM

When brave little boy, Matthew Hansen of Beacon, NY sensed something was wrong the morning before Thanksgiving, he woke up his parents reports The Poughkeepsie Journal.

“I need my eyes checked, Mommy, I can’t see,” Hansen was quoted in the Dutchess County paper.

More on MSN Living: 50 things everyone should know about marriage

“I felt something and at school they told us what to do if your butt is ever on fire,” the Sargent Elementary School student was quoted. “You stop, drop and roll. You’re never supposed to hide, and you’re always supposed to call for help. So I called my mom and dad.” Hansen’s parents sprang into action upon seeing smoke, getting the boy out of the house and harm’s way before calling 9-1-1.

The culprit? The electric stove had short-circuited and turned itself on, setting fire to cupcakes placed on the stove.

More on MSN Living: The top 10 traits women want in a man

In The Poughkeepsie Journal article, City of Beacon Fire Administrator Michael Davis was quoted saying that Hansen had saved his family, his home and himself.

“Many people have died from lack of early detection,” Davis was quoted. “This family was two minutes away from that, if not for Matthew waking up. The smoke would have blocked the stairwell.”

Talk to your kids about fire safety and plan how to get out of your home if there is a fire. Stove fires, especially, can happen quickly and spread to other flammable things in your kitchen, like curtains and cabinets. Be smart, prepared and above all, be safe.

Bing: Practice fire safety in your home

Video still of 5-year-old Matthew Hansen (Darryl Bautista/Poughkeepsie Journal)

Read the full story at The Poughkeepsie Journal

Subscribe to The Family Room

< Back to The Family Room