Outdoor Tips
During hot weather, check metal parts of seat belts, especially in infant car seats. If they feel hot, they are too hot for a baby. - Use only charcoal lighter fluid to start barbecue. Never add more charcoal lighter fluid or other flammable products to the fire. The container may explode.
- Most tents will burn, so keep all sources of heat or flames a safe distance away. Use only battery or electrically operated lights in or near tents.
- Keep children at a safe distance when cooking on campfires or grills.
- Keep a fire extinguisher available at all times.
- Store gasoline outside the home in approved safety cans away from open flames.
- Wait for the lawnmower engine to cool before refueling. Never refuel while the engine is hot or running.
- Allow the car radiator to cool before removing the cap and protect your hands, arms and face.
Home Tips
- Make sure electric wiring is adequate, and be careful not to overload circuits.
- Have chimneys and flues inspected annually by a professional and clean as recommend by the inspectors.
- Empty ashtrays only when contents are cold.
- Place fireplace ashes in a metal container.
- Burning or smoldering cigarettes are a major cause of home fires. Do not smoke in bed or when you are sleepy or have been drinking.
- Keep matches and lighters away from children.
- Water heaters should be set at 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Install smoke detectors on each level of your home; test them once a month, and replace their batteries twice a year.
- Make an escape plan for each level of your home.
- Use gasoline or other flammable liquids outdoors only. Store flammables in safe, approved containers.
- Never leave a young child alone in the bathroom or kitchen.
Preventing Kitchen Burns
Hot food and liquids spilled in the kitchen are the most frequent source of burns to children. - Never hold a child while you are drinking a hot liquid.
- Keep pot handles turned to the middle of the stove, out of reach.
- Do not carry containers of hot liquid when children are underfoot.
- Place young children in a playpen, infant seat or with another adult away from the kitchen when cooking.
- Be cautious when using deep-fat fryers. Hot oils may reach temperatures greater than 490 degrees Fahrenheit during cooking.
- Puncture plastic pouches and plastic wrap covers before heating in a microwave oven to reduce risk of steam build up. Check the temperature of food or drink before giving it to children.
- Keep stove burners, the broiler and oven grease-free. Grease build up could catch fire.
- If there is a grease fire in a pan, turn off the heat and put a lid on the pan. Do not try to move the pan.
Tips for Holidays and Special Events
- Use only non-tip candle holders. Keep candles away from combustible items, such as curtains and decorations. Keep candles out of children’s reach. Never leave candles burning unattended.
- Use a flashlight in Halloween pumpkins instead of a candle.
- Halloween costumes should be fire resistant and close fitting.
- Holiday lights (indoor and outdoor) should have a testing label of approval.
- Replace light sets that have defective cords.
- Help children engage in safe activities on the Fourth of July. Sparklers can reach 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit at the tip.
- Teach children about the dangers of fireworks and other explosives, and discourage children from using them.
Safety Tips for Toddlers
- Never leave a toddler alone in the kitchen or bathroom.
- Keep household chemicals out of children’s reach.
- Put hot foods as far back as possible on the stove, table or counter.
- Turn pot handles toward the middle or back of the stove.
- Avoid being rushed or distracted – plan ahead.
- Avoid passing hot items over a child.
- Test the temperature of bath water with your elbow or a thermometer.
- Avoid allowing a small child to run his or her own bath water.
- Keep electrical cords out of children’s reach.
- Cover electrical sockets.
Safety Tips for 3- to 8-Year-Olds
- Do not leave a child alone. Use only responsible babysitters.
- Avoid storing goodies over the stove.
- Keep matches and lighters out of the child’s reach.
- Teach older children the proper way to light and extinguish matches.
- Avoid allowing children to play in the kitchen during meal preparation.
- Avoid letting children help burn trash or leaves.
- Avoid letting children help cook on the stove.
Safety Tips for 9- to 12-Year-Olds
- Teach your child proper respect for fire.
- Teach your child the correct method of starting and extinguishing fires.
- Stress the dangers of flammable products.
- Explain that because high electrical wires are not insulated, extreme care should be taken when flying kites.
- Be aware of how family stress and family problems affect children.
- Teach children to "Stop, Drop and Roll" to extinguish a clothing fire.
Safety Tips for 13- to 19-Year-Olds
- Read and follow directions before starting a new task.
- Be aware of safe exposure time for sun and sun lamps.
- Be aware of the dangers associated with cars (flammable gasoline, radiator steam, battery acid, mufflers, etc.).
- Teach children not to tamper with power lines or transmitters.
- Respond to circumstances, not peers, in life and death situations.
- Be conscious of fire hazards when cooking.
- Be aware of the safe way to use and store flammable products
Safety Tips for Adults
- Wear snug-fitting, short-sleeved clothing while cooking.
- Smoke only when alert, never while drowsy or tired.
- Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in appropriate locations.
- Follow safety precautions when dealing with flammable substances, electricity or chemicals.
- Store gasoline only in an approved container, away from the house and out of the reach of children.
- Be careful around heat sources, especially when hurried, angry or stressed.
- Read directions before starting a task.
- Follow safety protocol on the job.
To have a representative come to your school or business, please contact our burn center outreach coordinator at 206.744.3139.