Written on July 21, 2022
Summertime welcomes the promise of longer sunshine days, plenty of outdoor activities, vacations, barbeques, and picnics – but summer also brings an increased risk of burn injuries due to campfires, fireworks, and outdoor cooking.
In the video above, Jeanette Johnson shares her details about her burn injury, encourages you to stay safe this summer, and reviews the fire safety tips below.
July is National Grilling Month - Follow these grilling tips so you can safely enjoy BBQs and delicious food all summer long!
Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
Never leave your grill unattended.
Don't overload your grill.
Boating is a great way to have some summer fun, but boaters and swimmers must be aware of the dangers in and around water.
Never allow swimming near the boat, marina, or launching ramp.
Electrical shock drownings can occur when marina electrical systems leak electrical current into the water. Boats can also serve as the source of electrical leakage.
Know where your main breakers are on both the boat and the shore power source. This will help you respond quickly in an emergency.
Poorly tuned engines produce more CO. Keep your engine properly maintained.
Install CO alarms inside your boat. Test CO alarms before each trip.
Some of the best camping memories have been made while huddled around a campfire, roasting marshmallows, cooking food, and sharing stories with friends and family. However, campfire accidents send thousands of people to emergency rooms with burn injuries every year.
Before you strike a match, make sure you know the fire regulations of the campground or wilderness area where you plan to build a fire.
Start your campfire with a match, and then make sure it is completely extinguished before disposing of it. Pour water over the match or throw it directly into the fire to burn.
Never use lighter fluid, gas, kerosene, or other flammable liquids to start a fire.
A strong breeze can spread your fire in an instant. To make sure a sudden gust of wind doesn’t turn your campfire into a wildfire, keep anything flammable, including unused firewood, upwind and at least 15 feet away from the fire.
When you are done with your campfire, make sure it is extinguished properly. Dump water on the fire, stir the ashes with a shovel, then dump more water on the fire. The campfire should be cold before you leave it unattended.
Explore burn survivor tips for staying cool during summer!