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Fire prevention tip of the month: Burns

  • Published
  • By Fire Emergency Services Flight
  • 375th Airlift Wing
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill --  Fire prevention tip of the month: Burns

Burns are perhaps the most painful insult the human body can suffer, and they are surely among the hardest injuries to treat.

More than two million Americans suffer from burns each year. Of these, 75,000 people are hospitalized and 12,000 die. Half of them are children.

One Shrine study suggests that people fail to take action to prevent burns and fire because they think "it can't happen to me" or they believe it's all a matter of luck, and if fire or burns happen, there's nothing an individual can do.

The figures above show that burns can happen to anyone, and there is plenty that can be done to lessen the risks.

To reduce chances of being burnt, keep home/work places safe from accidental fires:

· Houseclean regularly.
· Reduce or eliminate fire hazards.
· Use appliances and heaters with care and in accordance with manufacturers recommendations.
· Install smoke detectors and ensure they work.
· Recognize objects and areas in the home/work place that are burn hazards, such as hot liquids, stove burners and heating surfaces.
· Plan and practice home/work place fire escape strategies and safe behavior during a fire so you know what to do when fire strikes.
· Be sure everyone (not just children) knows the "stop, drop, and roll" technique for smothering clothing fires.
· Buy and wear fabrics which are relatively fire-resistant.
· Learn how to administer emergency first aid for all types of burns.

For all emergencies call 911, provide location of the emergency and a call back number. Report all fires even if extinguished.