Did you know?

• Fires and burns are the third-leading cause of accidental deaths among children ages 14 and under.
• An estimated 2,500 children 14 and under were injured or killed in residential fires.
• The leading cause of residential fire-related death and injury among children ages 9 and younger is play, when children are left unattended.
• Most fires started by child play are set with matches or lighters.
• In 2002, candles started 18,000 reported fires and caused 130 deaths.
• Light fixtures, lamps, light bulbs, cords and plugs accounted for one out of 12 reported home fires.

House Fires and Burns/Parents Can Help

• Store matches or lighter out of your child's reach.
• Never use lighters or matches as a source of amusement for children. They may imitate what you do.
• If your child expresses curiosity about fire or has been playing with fire, explain that matches and lighters are tools for adults only.
• Use only lighters designed with child-resistant features. Remember child-resistant does not mean child proof.
• Teach young children to tell an adult if they see matches or lighters, and teach school-age children to bring any matches or lighters to an adult.
• Don't leave burning candles unattended.
• Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.
• Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.
• In homes with small children, electrical outlets should have plastic safety covers.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.
• Avoid overloading outlets. Consider plugging only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.
• If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an electrician.
• When possible, avoid the use of "cube taps" and other devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle.
• Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp's recommended wattage.
• Place cleaning fluids and other chemicals out of reach of your child.
• Always make certain your child wears sun screen when the child is outdoors.
• Keep space heaters out of reach of children, and make sure they turn off automatically if toppled or placed against something else.
• Put fire extinguishers in areas where fire risk is greatest: kitchens, furnace room, near a fireplace or wood stove.
• Check smoke detectors regularly.
• Hold fire drills.

If your child has been burned contact Villari, Brandes & Kline so we can determine if the accident was the fault of another.

Source- Firesafety.gov