Every summer, local hospital emergency rooms fill with people seeking treatment for summer burn injuries. The Burn Institute urges people to think about how to prevent fire and burn injuries this summer.  

Ultraviolet Rays

Always apply a sunscreen of 25 SPF or greater when going outdoors.

Serious sunburns can occur even when it is cloudy.

Wear dark sunglasses to protect your eyes, and wear a broad brimmed hat to protect your head and neck.

Barbecues

Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.

Keep children and pets away from grills.

When using a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluids designed for barbecue grills – do not add fluid after coals have been lit.

When using a gas grill, be sure that the hose connection is tight and check hoses for leaks – applying soapy water to the hoses easily and safely will reveal if there are any leaks.

Always dispose hot coals in designated fire receptacles – buried coals retain intense heat for up to 24 hours and may cause a serious burn injury to an unsuspecting passerby who steps on them.

Camp Fires

When building a campfire always use a designated fire pit.

Before you leave your campsite, make sure the fire is properly extinguished.

Douse and stir the fire with water.

Never leave a fire unattended.

Adults should always supervise children around campfires.

Camping

Always use a flame retardant tent and set up camp far away from any campfires.

Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent  – do not use liquid-filled heaters or lanterns.

Always build your campfire down wind away from your tent – clear all vegetation and dig a pit surrounded by rocks before building your campfire.

Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire and use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.

Always put out a campfire when going to sleep or leaving the campsite. To extinguish the fire, cover with dirt or pour water over it.

Wildfire

Current dry conditions and hot temperatures can pose a serious Wildfire threat to county residents.

Supervise your children at all times to keep them from getting into mischief.

Keep lighters and matches locked away and do not let children play in canyons.

Keep magnifying glasses away from small children – in just seconds small children can accidentally begin a small fire or burn themselves.

First Aid for Burns

If your clothes catch on fire, Stop, Drop, Roll, Cool and Call 9-1-1

Always cool a burn area with cool water.

Never use ice, butter, Vaseline or other ointments.

For serious burns, seek immediate emergency treatment.