Fire & Burn Prevention

Protecting your home and your family

Nearly 87 percent of all fire-related deaths are due to house fires, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. It is important to know of the many ways you can prevent fires and burns.

Fire & Burn Prevention Tips

Burn Prevention

Fire and burn-related injuries are among the leading causes of injury to children under 5. Here are a few things to keep in mind when children are in the house:

• Keep children at least 3 feet away from any hot surface including grills, stoves, and heaters
• Keep hot objects out of children’s reach, like hot pans and curling irons.
• Always test bath water with the inside of your wrist before placing a child in the bath
• Keep children away from fireplaces and heaters
• Teach children to never touch the stove, even when its off, the kitchen is not a safe to play area

Preventing House Fires

House fires are the leading cause of fire related deaths. Make your home a safe place:

• Smoke alarms decrease your chance of dying in a fire by 50%. Make sure you have plenty.
• If you need smoke alarms, call your local fire department; don't wait until it's too late.
• Keep fire building materials like matches, lighters and flammable materials out of reach of children.
• Always check on sleeping children in a fire; they are much more likely to sleep through a smoke alarm.
• Have fire drills and an escape plan, and make sure your children recognize the alarm and know where to go and what to do in a house fire.
• Make sure anyone with a second floor window has a window ladder or alternative escape route.
• Never re-enter a home that is on fire.
• Call 911 for any house fire, even a small one; don’t try to put the fire out first.
• Never use turkey or fish fryers within 15 feet of a structure.

Here is a great video on fire escape.

Outdoor Fire Safety

Whether camping, cooking or just enjoying an evening in the back yard, fires and fire pits can be a great way to enjoy cool outdoor evenings. Here are some things to consider when keeping your fire or fire pit safe:

• Always keep children away from fires.
• Remember to keep fire building materials such as wood and lighter fluid a safe distance from your fire.
• Keep fire pits 15 feet away from any structure.
• Keep blankets and loose clothing away from fire pits.
• Keep a hose or bucket of water close by.
• Never leave fires going after you leave the area.

Fireworks Safety

Whether it’s the 4th of July, New Year’s or any other occasion, fireworks can be a fun and exciting way celebrate. If you choose to light your own fireworks, here are some great ways to keep your celebration safe:

• Never use fireworks without adult supervision.
• Sparklers are not safe for children, burning at over 1,200 degrees. Try glow sticks instead.
• Always have a hose or plenty of water close by.
• Keep your fireworks a safe distance from where you are lighting them.
• Always choose an open space away from structures or trees to light fireworks.
• Always wear safety glasses.
• Move at least 25ft away after lighting fireworks.
• Never attempt to re-ignite fireworks that go out.

Check out this short video on fireworks safety.