February 5^th -11^th, 2012  

Dear Residents,

            The week of February 5^th through the 12^th is Burn Prevention Awareness Week.  The Mentor Fire Department, and Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital wishes to remind you to keep safe.  

The first step in preventing children from being burned is to understand the common causes of burns in children.

1. Thermal burns from steam, hot water, cooking fluids, etc.
2. Chemical burns from household cleaners or beauty products.
3. Electrical burns from electrical outlets or frayed wires.
4. Radiation burns from over exposure to ultraviolet (UV) sun rays.
5. Friction burns from surface scrapes or carpet burns. 

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To help prevent burns remember these safety tips:

Smoking is the leading cause of fire-related deaths.

• Never smoke in bed or leave burning cigarettes unattended.
• Do not empty smoldering ashes in a trash can.
• Keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture and curtains.

Use smoke detectors!

Smoke alarms lower the chance of dying in a house fire by 50%.

• Install smoke alarms on all levels in the home, including basements, and near rooms where people sleep.
• Use long-life smoke alarms with lithium-powered batteries and hush buttons, so you can quiet them without removing the batteries.
• If long-life alarms are not available, use regular alarms, and replace the batteries annually.
• Test all smoke detectors monthly to see that they function.
• Change out smoke detectors that are ten or more years old.

Tips for households with young children.

• Don’t leave containers of hot liquids or food on or near the edge of furniture.
• Never hold a child while you are cooking, drinking a hot liquid, or carrying hot foods or liquids.
• Always test food temperatures before serving.
• Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of children’s reach.
• Keep water heater set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less to prevent scalding.
• Test water before placing child in bathtub.
• Cover unused electric outlets with safety caps.
• Never heat a baby bottle in a microwave oven.  Heat baby bottles in warm water from the faucet.
• Properly store your household cleaners; out of reach, clearly labeled and designated containers.

Tips for people with disabilities.

• Make and practice escape routes that accommodate physical disabilities and/or assistive devices.
• Involve others in your plan, such as the building manager or neighbor.
• Contact the Mentor Fire Department at 974-5769 or the Mentor-on the-Lake Fire Department at 257-7183.  We can help you develop your escape plan and keep your information on file with our dispatchers if needed.
• If hearing impaired, install and maintain a flashing or vibrating smoke alarm on each level of your home.

Other burn prevention tips.

• Always use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 when outdoors and in the sun.
• Get rid of equipment and appliances with frayed or old cords that appear damaged.
• Use of alternative heating sources such as wood stoves, electric space heaters, kerosene heaters, and fireplaces all pose increased risks of fire/burns.