Millburn Fire Department Issues Burn Prevention Tips

Millburn, NJ - The Millburn Fire Department — along with fire departments, emergency responders, and schools across the nation — recently observed National Burn Prevention Week, which was established to promote education in fire safety and burn prevention.

According to the Burn Prevention Network, which provides educational programs and outreach to more than 500,000 people throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, there are approximately 400,000 fire and burn injuries reported in the United States each year.

Young children and those with impaired mobility are the most frequent victims, the Burn Prevention Network states.

“Fire and burns are among the leading causes of unintentional injury-related deaths among U.S. children,” said Millburn Fire Chief J. Michael Roberts. “We join the Burn Prevention Network, the American Burn Association, the Saint Barnabas Burn Foundation, and other educational not-for-profits in reminding area residents to be aware of hazards and take preventative precautions.”

Among the Millburn Fire Department’s safety recommendations:

• Have a home escape plan. Parents and caregivers should talk to children about fire safety and prevention, and practice their escape route in the event of a fire.
• Take common-sense measures to avoid scald injuries. Use the stove’s back burners, and turn pot handles away from where small hands can reach them. Carefully test cooked food and bathwater before allowing a child to be exposed to potentially dangerous steam and liquids.
• Teach children the “Stop, Drop, and Roll” method of extinguishing clothing.
• Ensure that candles, fireplaces, space heaters, and other heat sources are supervised at all times, and that combustible materials are kept clear.
• Educate children about types of burns and burn first aid, including the importance of seeking prompt medical attention.

“It is estimated that more than 75 percent of medically treated burns were preventable,” said Roberts. “If our community outreach can prevent just one child or adult from suffering an injury, then that’s a great start.”

For more information on burn prevention, including educational resources for parents and teachers, visit www.americanburn.org.

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