Cope With the Fear of Fire

Many people are as scared of fire as they are of death; they are in fact the same thing. Fire can be very frightening -- it can consume your house, your belongings, your family, and even you. At least, that's what some people think. In reality, fire can be prevented and controlled (with the exception of an occasional accident). Overcoming your fear of fire involves learning that it is not as dangerous as it seems, and that it can be prevented.

Steps

 * 1) Talk. Talk to someone you trust (a friend or relative) about your fear. Just telling someone about your problem will make you feel better.
 * 2) Be Rational. It is important to be able to distinguish between a rational fear of fire and an irrational one. Having a rational fear of fire will help you be safe around it. For example, you would be careful not to light candles unattended, especially around paper or other flammable objects. However, if that candle is attended and in a clear, open area, that same fear is irrational and can effect your life. If you find yourself afraid by seeing a flame, stop and think if it is truly dangerous or if you simply are overreacting.
 * 3) Face your fear. Spend time around fire. Go to July 4th bonfires, use your fireplace, and learn about fire. Knowing what fire is can help you understand why you're afraid of it.
 * 4) Learn. Go to fire-safety seminars and take tours of fire-departments. If you know how to react to fire you'll be in less danger of getting injured by it.
 * 5)  Practice. Make sure you know your house-hold fire exits, and make sure that you have smoke alarms, extinguishers and fire blankets somewhere in your house.

Tips

 * Overcome your fears or phobias and even fears of pyromaniacs of an intense or a mild fear about what people may or may not do, say or think about you, fires and arson.

Warnings

 * Don't get over confident. Just because you're not afraid of fire doesn't mean it's any less dangerous. Don't fight a large fire, get away from it.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Overcome Fear
 * How to Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking
 * How to Overcome a Fear of Needles
 * How to Overcome Your Fear of Horses
 * How to Overcome the Fear of Spiders
 * How to Overcome a Fear of the Hospital

Sources and Citations

 * FEAR OF FIRE: Treatment and Hope
 * Fear of Fire Treatment Options
 * The Phobia List