BURN INJURIES DON'T TAKE A VACATION
 [Information provided by The Nursing Clinics of North America]

Play it safe. Enjoy your summer. Prevent burn injuries.

SUNBURN

  • Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours - 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Don't wait for skin to change color or feel uncomfortable before covering up or applying protective lotion. Observe personal time limits for sun exposure.
  • Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply after exercise or water play.
  • Ultraviolet rays penetrate clouds and clothing, and reflect from sand, water, streets, and patio floors. Sunscreen is also valuable on cloudy days, in shade, and on sensitive skin areas under clothing when sunlight is strong.
  • For further sun protection, wear a hat, sunglasses and light-colored clothing.

BEACHES

  • Sand or asphalt can severely burn your feet. Always bring footwear to the beach.
  • Use a beach umbrella for extra sun protection.

AUTOMOBILES
Cars left in the sun become solar ovens. Hot interior surfaces can burn.

  • Park in the shade whenever possible.
  • If there is no shade, cover seats with light-colored blankets or towels.
  • Before placing children in restraint systems or on seats, test surface temperatures. If still too hot, leave towels or blankets in place.

HOUSE FIRES - AT HOME AND AWAY
Use the summer to teach children fire survival behaviors - at home AND away.

  • Be sure there is a working smoke detector on each level of your home - AND on each level of any vacation accommodations.
  • Check smoke detectors on returning home in case batteries have weakened.
  • Plan and practice a home escape plan with your family - AND familiarize yourself with emergency exits and evacuation plans for vacation accommodations.
  • Show children how to crawl low under smoke and wait at a prearranged meeting place outside of your home - OR vacation residence.
  • Explain and demonstrate your fire exit plan to any overnight visitors in your home.
  • Above all, teach and observe the rule to GET OUT AND STAY OUT.

BARBECUE GRILLS (charcoal, gas or LP)

  • Follow manufacturer's directions when using grills.
  • Use only commercial starting fluid to light charcoal. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids.
  • Never add starter fluid to hot coals. The can could catch fire and explode.
  • Thoroughly extinguish hot coals before disposal.
  • Supervise children at all times when grills are in use.
  • Establish a three-foot "Keep Away Zone" for children around grills.
  • Do not wear loose-fitting clothing. Tie or pin up long hair.

CAMPFIRES

  • When a fireplace is not available, build campfires in a cleared area.
  • Keep a supply of water or an extinguisher within easy reach.
  • Adult supervision is especially important when children toast foods over the fire. Flaming marshmallows could ignite hair or clothing.
  • Store firewood at a safe distance.
  • Do not leave a burning campfire unattended.
  • Make sure coals are THOROUGHLY extinguished before disposal.

GAS-POWERED MOWERS AND TOOLS
Gasoline is extremely dangerous. Its vapors can be ignited from a considerable distance by flame or sparks.

  • Fuel mowers and tools outdoors.
  • Move mower or tool away from fueling area before starting engine.
  • Let engine cool before refueling
  • Don't add fuel near an open flame.
  • Don't smoke while adding fuel.
  • Keep children away when fueling or using gas-powered equipment.
  • Store gasoline only in a tightly closed UL-approved can, out of reach of children.
  • Don't store gasoline inside your home, even in a safety can.
  • Supervise children when they use gas-powered mowers or tools.

ELECTRIC MOWERS AND TOOLS

  • To help prevent shocks, all electric mowers and trimmers should use three-wire cords connected to ground fault interrupter-protected (GFIP) circuits.
  • Keep cords clear of cutting edges on tools.
  • Never use electrical tools or appliances in or around water.

ELECTRICITY

  • Never fly kites near power lines.
  • In a thunderstorm...
    • If caught indoors, seek shelter in a vehicle or nearby building. Do not stand under a tree.
    • When indoors, stay away from windows. Avoid using electrical appliances and telephones.

FIREWORKS
Consider safe alternatives to fireworks for Independence Day and other holiday celebrations.

  • As substitutes for sparklers and firecrackers, purchase glow-in-the-dark wands and non-explosive noisemakers.
  • Set a good example by never using fireworks yourself. As an alternative, attend public fireworks displays.