Snohomish River and Historic First Street

Every year, millions of people suffer burn injuries throughout the country. National Burn Awareness week aims to spread the message about this serious, but preventable problem. The focus for Burn Awareness Week 2010 includes gasoline and scald burn injuries. Reckless use and improper storage of gasoline and injuries resulting from scald burns caused by hot liquids, steam or foods, lead to thousands of young children being burned every year.

Prevent Gasoline Injuries

·         DO remember that gasoline vapors can be ignited by a spark, flame or other source of heat that is located many feet away.

·         DONT use gasoline anywhere near a barbecue grill.

·         DONT use gasoline to light a barbecue grill or to start or accelerate a fire.

·         DONT use gasoline as a cleaning fluid or solvent.

Handling Gasoline

·         DO remember that an engine that is still warm can ignite gasoline vapors. Only add gasoline when an engine is completely cool.

·         DONT allow children to touch gasoline or a gasoline container, even under supervision.

·         DONT handle gasoline near a flame source, such as matches, lighters and pilot lights on stoves and water heaters.

·         DONT use gasoline indoors.

·         DONT siphon gasoline by mouth, as it is harmful or fatal if swallowed.

·         DONT induce vomiting if gasoline is swallowed. Instead, seek immediate medical attention.

Prevent Scald Injuries

According to the National Safe Kids Campaign, 4,000 to 5,000 children are scalded each year, most while bathing. Continuous supervision of young children is the most important factor in preventing tap-water scald burns, but there are additional simple preventive measures that can be taken, including:

·         Lower the temperature settings on water heaters to 120° F (49° C) or less.

·         Install anti-scald devices on water faucets and showerheads.

·          When filling the bathtub, turn on cold water first. Mix in warmer water carefully.

·         Check the water temperature by rapidly moving your hand through the water. If the water feels hot to an adult, it is too hot for a child.

·         Use knob covers on faucets.

Scalds also occur in the kitchen and dining room:

·         Use oven mitts or hot pads when cooking.

·         Turn pot handles inward.

·         Thoroughly stir all heated food.

·         Never heat baby bottles in a microwave.

·          Do not use deep fryers around children.

Quick Facts About Gasoline and Scald Burn Injuries

• Kids ages 13 and older are in the highest at-risk group for gasoline and other flammable substance burns.
• According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, in one year approximately 1,270 children under age 5 were treated in emergency rooms for injuries resulting from the misuse of gasoline and unsecured gasoline cans.
• Children ages 10-14 are almost four times more likely to get in trouble with gasoline.
• Every day, more than 300 young children with scald burns are taken to emergency rooms.
• The mortality rates from scald burn injuries are highest for children under the age of 4.
• Most scald injuries in children occur while bathing.

Facts and tips courtesy of www.burnawareness.org.

For more information, visit www.firedistrict7.com, or contact Public Information Officer Autumn Waite at