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Livingston, N.J. -- As summer
approaches, families across the state will soon be spending their days
outside enjoying the warm weather and the fun activities it brings.
According to Lisa Jones, Community Burn Educator for The
Burn Center at Saint Barnabas, New Jersey’s only state certified
burn treatment facility, “While the summer is a wonderful time
for fun, it is vitally important to keep burn safety and prevention
in mind.”
During the summer month, The Burn Center sees its share
of children and adults with burns caused by sun exposure, gasoline and
camp fires. “Children and adults need to be reminded that a
burn accident may only take a moment, but it can affect the lives of
its victims and their families for a lifetime.” adds
Ms. Jones
To extinguish a flame, Ms. Jones recommends that it be
smothered using the stop, drop and roll technique. Should a burns
injury be sustained, it is best to cool it with water but avoid ice
or extremely cold water. Ms. Jones cautions that one of the biggest
concerns with a burn injury is infection.
“Treating a significant burn on your own can lead
to serious complications. Burns should be examined and treated
by a physician, especially when it affects those that are very young
or very advanced in age,” she explains.
As part of its ongoing commitment to educating the public,
the Burn Center at Saint Barnabas offers the following safety tips to
keep New Jersey residents safe this summer:
Barbecue Tips
- Adults should start the grill or campfire and
be responsible for all cooking. Children
should never be allowed to play nearby.
- Store highly flammable propane gas for the
grill in a cool, well-ventilated area.
- Use long oven mitts and long-handled utensils
to keep hands at a safe distance from the heat
and fire.
- Do not empty the grill until coals are cold. Keep
a bucket of water nearby.
- Do not use tablecloths. Children can
pull on them and be scalded by hot beverages
on the table.
Family Camping Tips
- Place campfires in a cleared area away from
the tent.
- Do not wear loose-fitting clothes when starting
a fire.
- Never leave a campfire unattended. Always
keep water and remember to extinguish every spark. Douse
thoroughly, stir ashes and douse again.
Sunburn Prevention Tips
- Keep out of direct sunlight, especially between
10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is the strongest.
- Sunscreen should not be used on babies under
six months of age. Instead keep them out of direct
sun and dress them in pants and long-sleeved
shirts made of a closely-woven material.
- Sun exposure in young children should be extremely
curtailed as their skin is not fully developed
and highly susceptible to burning. When
outdoors, children older than six months should
have sunscreen applied liberally and frequently
and be shaded from the harmful sun rays.
- Apply sun block to the skin and re-apply every
few hours, especially after swimming. Follow
labeling instructions.
- Sun rays will penetrate clothing, so remember
to apply sun block under your clothing.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes
from the sun and to prevent a sunburned scalp. Sunglasses
are also recommended.
- Drink plenty of liquids, preferably water,
to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion.
- Cover car seats with a cloth or towel to prevent
burns from overheated materials.
Lightning Storm Safety
- Follow the National Lightning Safety Institute
slogan; “If you can see it, flee it. If
you can hear it, clear it.”
- Seek shelter immediately. Choose an enclosed
space and stay inside. Avoid using electrical
appliances or cell phones.
- If you are trapped outside, crouch low with
your feet together, your head tucked and your
ears covered.
- Do not huddle closely together. Space yourself
at least 15 feet from one another if in a group
avoiding tall objects or trees.
- Discard all metal objects such as golf clubs,
baseball bats or fishing poles. If possible place
an insulating object below your feet. A sleeping
bag, jacket, coiled rope are good examples.
The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center is New
Jersey’s only certified burn treatment facility. With
12 intensive care beds and an 18-bed Step-down unit for less critically
injured patients, The Burn Center is one of the largest in the U.
S. and Canada and cares for more than 400 patients annually. To arrange
for educational programs, please contact The Burn Center at Saint
Barnabas Medical Center Outreach/Education Office at 973-322-8071.
Date: April 15, 2009
Saint Barnabas Contact: Samantha Anton,
973-322-5425
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