Monarch Firefighters Discuss Burn Prevention

March 5, 2015, Chesterfield, Missouri…More than 500,000 Americans every year experience serious burn injuries. For many of those people, their lives change forever.

Monarch firefighters and paramedics respond to about 6,600 emergency calls a year. Fighting fires, saving lives and protecting property is our number one priority.

Half of all deaths and two-thirds of all child deaths or injuries in residential fires occur in homes where there is no working smoke alarm. Install smoke detectors on all floors in your home and test them once a month. Every six months, replace the batteries whether they need it or not.

If you need help with a smoke alarm, contact the Monarch Firefighters at 636 397 1572.

Death by fire is preventable. Establish a plan to help you and family members escape. Identify exit routes. Make sure all family members know them, even in the dark. Conduct family fire drills at least twice a year.

Cooking

Cooking is a main reason for home fires and home injuries. Here’s what you need to know:

· Unattended cooking is a top cause of home fires

· Two-thirds of home cooking fires start with ignition of food or other cooking materials.

· Ranges cause the biggest share of home cooking fires. Ovens are next.

· Frying poses the greatest risk of fire – so keep an eye on what you fry.

· Clothing that ignites causes about 15 percent of all cooking fire deaths. Don’t wear loose clothes while cooking.

· Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stove, including potholders, food packages and towels.

· Most injuries in home cooking fires occur when victims try to fight the fire themselves.

· Never leave food that is cooking unattended – stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling.

· Use a timer to remember that the stove or oven is on.

· Purchase a fire extinguisher for your kitchen. Contact the Monarch firefighters for advice on their use.

· Make sure stoves, ovens and small appliances are off before going to bed or leaving the home.

· Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen

Fireplaces & Space Heaters

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, open the damper before lighting a fire and keep it open until all ashes are cool to avoid poisonous gas build-up.

Never use gasoline, charcoal lighter or other fuel to light or relight a fire. The vapors can travel the length of a room and explode.

Beware of artificial logs. They are often made of sawdust and wax. Follow the instructions. Use one log at a time and don’t add another until the fire is completely out. Never add an artificial log to a natural wood fire that is already burning.

Keep lit candles away from all combustible materials. Do not allow children to keep lit candles or incense in their rooms. Never go to sleep or leave the room while a candle is burning.

Portable electric space heaters should be monitored when operating. Plug them directly into a wall receptacle, never into an extension cord.

Fuel-burning space heaters should be used only with the proper fuel specified by the manufacturer. When refueling, allow it to cool and then refuel in a well-ventilated area. When using the heater, open a window to ensure adequate ventilation.

Stop, Drop, and Roll

If you catch on fire, drop to the ground and cover your face. Roll over and over until the fire is out. If you are burned, run cool water over the burn rather than using ice. Never apply butter or salve to burns because they seal in heat and may further damage the skin.

Final note: The leading cause of death in fires is smoke inhalation, not burns. Smoke also makes escape much more difficult. If you have any questions about fire safety at your home or business, call the Monarch Firefighters and Paramedics at 636 397 1572. In emergencies, call 911.

Monarch Firefighters and Paramedics are members of the Professional Firefighters of Eastern Missouri. We serve large parts of Chesterfield, Ballwin, Clarkson Valley, Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights and Wildwood, plus parts of unincorporated St. Louis County, Missouri. The Monarch Fire Protection District covers 63 square miles and is the largest fire protection district in St. Louis County, Missouri. See the website http://www.monarchfirefighters.org.

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