Authorities and hospitals warn of burn dangers
Few recognize the danger a pot of boiling liquid poses, or the lurking disaster a space heater could cause if not used properly.
It's these dangers that have prompted Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton and the San Bernardino County and city fire departments to join a statewide public awareness campaign led by the California Association of Public Hospitals and the California State Firefighters' Association that promotes awareness of fires and burns, which are common in winter months.
"The No. 1 thing we want to promote is to be safe at home," said Adrian Martinez, nurse manager for the hospital's burn center. "You'd be surprised, people don't get hurt at work or on the street, they get hurt at home."
It's these dangers that have prompted Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton and the San Bernardino County and city fire departments to join a statewide public awareness campaign led by the California Association of Public Hospitals and the California State Firefighters' Association that promotes awareness of fires and burns, which are common in winter months.
"The No. 1 thing we want to promote is to be safe at home," said Adrian Martinez, nurse manager for the hospital's burn center. "You'd be surprised, people don't get hurt at work or on the street, they get hurt at home."
Tom Rubio, spokesman for the San Bernardino City Professional
Firefighters Union, says the prevalence of fires and burns in winter
months stems from improper use of appliances and placing certain items
in the wrong part of your home.
A big one is the fireplace. Don't use any substance that accelerates the start of a fire, such as lighter fluid, Rubio said.
Be sure to keep anything combustible, such as newspapers, clothing or the Christmas tree, at least three feet away from the fireplace at all times, Rubio said.
The same goes for space heaters or any appliance that emits significant heat, Rubio said.
Also common is the use of a deep fryer to cook Thanksgiving turkeys. It's extremely important to follow all instructions when using a deep fryer in your home. If possible, Rubio suggests using such a device outside where there's plenty of open space.
If used improperly the boiling hot oil in turkey fryers can cause serious scalding, Rubio said.
During the holiday season, Christmas trees can pose some safety hazards. It's important to take proper care of natural Christmas trees, as a dry tree is a potential fire hazard, Rubio said.
Trees should be well watered and Christmas lights should never be left on when you're not home or asleep, Rubio said.
Common injuries from winter-related accidents are burns and respiratory injuries from smoke inhalation as a result of a fire, Rubio said.
Sheldon Osekowsky, a firefighter/paramedic with the San Bernardino Fire Department, says people should also remember to properly maintain their furnace.
Here in sunny Southern California they don't get much use and can accumulate dust and other debris in filters and conduits that can catch fire, Osekowsky said.
Before firing up the furnace be sure the area is clean, he said.
For more information on avoiding fire and fire related injuries call the hospital's burn center at (909) 580-2100.
michael.sorba@inlandnewspapers.com
A big one is the fireplace. Don't use any substance that accelerates the start of a fire, such as lighter fluid, Rubio said.
Be sure to keep anything combustible, such as newspapers, clothing or the Christmas tree, at least three feet away from the fireplace at all times, Rubio said.
The same goes for space heaters or any appliance that emits significant heat, Rubio said.
Also common is the use of a deep fryer to cook Thanksgiving turkeys. It's extremely important to follow all instructions when using a deep fryer in your home. If possible, Rubio suggests using such a device outside where there's plenty of open space.
If used improperly the boiling hot oil in turkey fryers can cause serious scalding, Rubio said.
During the holiday season, Christmas trees can pose some safety hazards. It's important to take proper care of natural Christmas trees, as a dry tree is a potential fire hazard, Rubio said.
Trees should be well watered and Christmas lights should never be left on when you're not home or asleep, Rubio said.
Common injuries from winter-related accidents are burns and respiratory injuries from smoke inhalation as a result of a fire, Rubio said.
Sheldon Osekowsky, a firefighter/paramedic with the San Bernardino Fire Department, says people should also remember to properly maintain their furnace.
Here in sunny Southern California they don't get much use and can accumulate dust and other debris in filters and conduits that can catch fire, Osekowsky said.
Before firing up the furnace be sure the area is clean, he said.
For more information on avoiding fire and fire related injuries call the hospital's burn center at (909) 580-2100.
michael.sorba@inlandnewspapers.com
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