"Most 'fire-related injuries' are burns. In fact, approximately every 60 seconds someone in the U.S. sustains a burn injury serious enough to require treatment." -American Burn Association
February 4-10, 2024, is National Burn Awareness Week. This is a time set aside each year to promote burn awareness and prevention.
The 2024 theme is Flammable Liquids Burn. Flammable liquids, like gasoline, can burn, release vapors or explode, even at room temperature. According to the American Burn Association, gasoline fumes are capable of ignition up to 12 feet away from the liquid.
Gasoline and lighter fluid should be kept out of the reach of children and never stored in your home. You should use containers that are listed or labeled specifically for gasoline and start charcoal grills only with fluid labeled as "charcoal starter fluid."
Additional gasoline safety tips:
- DO use gasoline outdoors only, and store in cool, well-ventilated areas.
- DO keep gasoline in a secure location.
- DO fill equipment with gas when engines are cool.
- DON'T use gasoline near a flame source such as burning leaves or brush.
- DON'T induce vomiting if gasoline is swallowed.
- DON'T use gasoline as a solvent or cleaning fluid.
- DON'T dispense gasoline into a portable container while it is located inside a vehicle or pick-up truck bed.
IN THE EVENT OF A BURN INJURY
- Smother any flames on clothing and remove victim from the flame source.
- Call 911.
- Cool the burn with COOL (not cold) water to stop the burning process.
- Remove all clothing from the injured area.
- Cover the area with a clean sheet or dry bandage.
- Seek medical attention.
Please be safe...Be Burn Aware!
For more information, go to National Burn Association.