Why You Should Not Use Child Locator Decals

Firefighters are specially trained and equipped to make a thorough and systematic search for anyone trapped inside a burning building. Whenever firefighters are summoned to a building fire, their first action upon arrival is to ensure that all occupants are safe - and to initiate rescue efforts if they are not. By utilizing the window decal system, critical time could be lost as firefighters look for decals that may no longer be accurate.

Clark County Fire & Rescue and Washington Public Fire Educators discourage the use of child locator window decals for the following reasons:

• There is no standardized, endorsed type of sticker.
• Decals can alert a burglar or other intruder that an easy entry can be made into the home. A child or disabled person may offer little or no resistance.
• The average family moves every five years. When a house changes hands, room occupants change. As a family grows, the use of rooms may also change. If the decals are not moved, they become meaningless.
• Occupants may be in another part of the house when the fire first occurs, or move about while trying to escape.