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One Child Dies Every Three Weeks From Television Tips Overs: Preventing This Tragedy

Filed Under: Childhood safety, Family, Injury, Kids, Parents, Safety, Safety, Unintentional Injury by safekids — Leave a comment
January 24, 2013

New Report Reveals a 31% Increase in Injuries from Television Tip-Overs in the Last 10 Years

 

The holiday season as just passed and electronics make popular gift giving ideas.  Now, as Super Bowl Sunday draws near, new televisions fly off the shelves in anticipation of watching the “big game”.  Safe Kids Grand Forks wants to alert the public of the dangers reported recently with TV tip over incidents. 

 

A new report released in December by Safe Kids Worldwide and SANUS revealed that every three weeks, a child dies from a television tipping over and nearly 13,000 more children are injured each year in the U.S. This represents a 31 percent increase in TV tip-over related injuries over the last ten years.

 

The results of the report, A Report to the Nation on Home Safety: The Dangers of TV Tip-Overs, include data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and new findings from Safe Kids Worldwide primary research. According to the CPSC, from 2000-2010, on average, a child dies every three weeks.

 

The report shows that young children are at greatest risk of TV tip-overs. According to the research, 7 out of 10 children injured by TV tip-overs are 5 years old or younger. This age group also accounts for 9 out of 10 serious injuries requiring hospitalization, including head injuries, which are among the most severe.

 

Every 45 minutes, or less than the length of a Sesame Street episode, a child in this country visits the ER because of a TV tipping over. 

 

Many TV tip-overs are a result of unsteady TVs that are not secured to the wall. Flat screen TVs that are top-heavy with narrow bases can be easily pulled off an entertainment center or table. Large and heavy old-style cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs placed on dressers or high furniture can also tip over if children climb the drawers to reach a remote control, a piece of candy, a video game or anything else that attracts their attention.

 

The report also revealed that three out of four parents don’t secure their TV to the wall. Most families are unaware that securing a TV is an important safety measure. Others decide not to mount their TVs because of concerns about damaging the wall or installing the TV incorrectly.

 

Safe Kids Grand Forks and our national partners are launching a national effort to prevent injuries from TV and furniture tip-overs and educate communities by calling on families to conduct a quick TV safety check, which includes the following steps:

 

  • Check Your TV. Assess the stability of the TVs in your home.  Remember, a curious, determined child can topple a TV. Children playing with friends or pets could knock a TV over, while other kids might be tempted to climb up to reach items placed on or near a TV, such as remote controls or candy.

 

  • Secure Your TV. Securing your TV to the wall is a safe solution. Much like child proofing with a toddler gate or electrical socket cover, TV mounts and furniture straps are necessary precautions for keeping your family safe.

 

Go to www.safekids.org to learn more or contact Safe Kids Grand Forks at safekids@altru.org.  Altru Health System is proud to serve as the lead agency for Safe Kids Grand Forks.

 

 

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Winter Driving With Little Ones

Filed Under: Car Seat, Childhood safety, Injury, Kids, Parents, Safety, Safety, Uncategorized, Unintentional Injury by safekids — Leave a comment
January 14, 2013

The winter season is upon us. Snow and wintery weather can be great fun for kids but can also lead to unpredictable and dangerous road conditions for drivers. That’s why Safe Kids and General Motors teamed up to bring you a few things to remember when driving with your little ones this winter.

Avoid Bulky Winter Clothes. We know you want your little ones to be warm this winter season, but please don’t strap your child into a car seat with a bulky coat as it can affect the ability of your car seat to do its job. A bulky coat can compress in a crash and create a loose car seat harness, putting your child at greater risk of injury in the unlikely event of a crash.

Take the Pinch Test. Make sure your child’s harness is adjusted correctly year-round by using the “pinch test,” which is the best way to make sure the harness straps are snug and close to the body. First, remove bulky clothing and blankets. Make sure the harness straps are adjusted to the correct height – they should be at, or just below, the child’s shoulders when the child rides rear-facing, and at, or just above, the child’s shoulders when a child is forward-facing. Then buckle and tighten the harness straps. Place the chest clip at armpit level. Now pinch the strap at your child’s shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you’re good to go.   

Ensure Comfort and Safety at the Same Time. To keep your child warm and toasty after you remove the bulky coat, you can place a blanket (or even the coat) over the tightened car seat harness.

Check your Tailpipe. Before you get in your car, do a quick walk-around and check to make sure your tailpipe is not blocked with snow. A simple check can ensure you won’t have any problems with carbon monoxide, which is dangerous.

Prepare for Mother Nature. You never know when you might get stuck in the cold and snow, so always have an emergency bag stocked in your car. Be sure to include necessities like baby food or formula, water, diapers, extra blankets and a spare set of warm clothing. You’ll probably never need it but it’s nice to have just in case.

Watch Out for Sleds. One of the great things about snow is the chance to go sledding. And kids will do it anywhere, anytime, often cruising right into the street. That creates one more thing to look for when you’re driving. Be prepared by slowing down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones.  If your car is not equipped with daytime running lamps, turn on your headlights earlier in the day. As always, reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

Buckle Up. This is an “all-weather” tip. We know that when adults wear seat belts, kids wear seat belts. So be a good example and buckle up for every trip. Your kids are safer in a crash when everyone in the vehicle is buckled up.

This article has been written by Kate Carr (Safe Kids Worldwide CEO) and Julie Kleinert (Safety Expert at General Motors).  Safe Kids Grand Forks is a member of the Safe Kids Worldwide network and General Motors is a proud sponsor of our Buckle-up (child passenger safety) Program.

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Dangers With the Morning After the Holiday Party

Filed Under: Childhood safety, Cooking, Family, Injury, Kids, Parents, Poison, Safety, Safety, Unintentional Injury by safekids — Leave a comment
December 27, 2012

Parties and gatherings are common around the holidays, especially as we ring in the New Year.  Safe Kids alerts parents and caregivers to a few tips to keep kids safe during this festive time.  We share this information as taken from the National Capital Poison Center:

It’s the morning after your holiday party.  What do you see when you stumble into the daylight?  Dirty dishes?  Spilled drinks?  Poisoned children?

Prevent this nightmare from happening to your family.  After a party, and before you go to bed, take a few simple steps:

  • If hot or cold food has been out for more than two hours, throw it away.  Put other left-over food in the refrigerator.  Look around the kitchen.  Be sure that knives, openers, and other sharp objects are out of children’s reach.
  • Empty and rinse bottles, glasses, and cans.  Keep alcoholic beverages where children can’t reach them.
  • Be sure that all cigarettes and cigars are out cold.  Put them in a covered trash container.  Put other smoking materials, lighters, and matches where children can’t reach them.
  • Check for medicines or other belongings that guests leave behind.  If needed, lock them up where children can’t reach.

If you suspect a poisoning, call the National Capital Poison Center right away.  The 24-hour number is 1-800-222-1222.  The experts at the Poison Center will tell you exactly what to do, right over the phone.

For more safety tips visit our Safe Kids Grand Forks web site at www.safekidsgf.com.  You can also contact us at Altru Health System at safekids@altru.org.  For free Poison Control Center stickers or magnets, contact us with your mailing address and the number of items requested.

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Christmas Decorations: Festive & SAFE!!

Filed Under: Childhood safety, Fire, Injury, Kids, Parents, Safety, Safety, Unintentional Injury, winter by safekids — Leave a comment
December 10, 2012

 

As the trees get put up in our home and the lights adorn the garland, keeping the holidays safe is important to Safe Kids Grand Forks.  Each of the past several years, the number of Christmas decoration related injuries has increased and so we offer these simple tips to keep your holiday safe!!

If using a real Christmas tree, be sure that the tree is fresh and that the needles don’t readily pull off the branches.  Water the tree daily and set it up away from a heat source so it does not dry out quickly or pose a fire danger.  Artificial trees also come with a label “fire resistant” and while this does not entirely prevent them from catching fire, it does make them more resistant to one.  Never use candles on or near a tree.

While candles provide a nice glow to the holiday season, they can be a dangerous fire hazard in homes with small children, pets, party gatherings or when placed near garland or other decorations.  Consider using flameless candles that provide the ambiance but avoid the open flame danger.  If real candles are used, keep them away from decorations, garland and curtains.  Assure that they are in an attended area and make sure to extinguish them if you leave the room or go to bed.

Christmas lights add sparkle to our season but be sure to use lights with a UL designation.  This assures that they have been tested for both indoor and outdoor use.  Before hanging, check for frayed or bare wires and don’t overload the outlet with too many light sets.  Keep electrical cords out of high traffic areas.

Fireplaces add a warm holiday glow as well, but never burn wrapping paper or other products that are readily combustible and can get out of hand easily.  Assure that fires are attended to and small children are kept out of their general vicinity. 

When setting up Christmas decorations, be sure that exits from the home (such as doors and windows) are not blocked by a tree or other object that would prevent people from getting out of the home in an emergency.

While fire, and lights, and glowing objects bring shimmer to the holiday season, don’t forget fire safety.  Keep your fire escape plan in your mind and take a few extra minutes to practice safety in the season.  For more holiday decorating tips, contact Safe Kids Grand Forks at safekids@altru.org

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Be Cautious of Thin Ice

Filed Under: Family, Flotation Aid, Hunting, Injury, Kids, Life Jacket, Life Vest, Parents, Safety, Safety, Sledding, Snowmobiling, Unintentional Injury by safekids — Leave a comment
December 5, 2012

With winter weather here, outdoor wildlife and recreational activities switch from hunting to ice fishing and snowmobiling.  Winter anglers and riders are encouraged to consider early ice conditions before traveling onto and across area lakes.

 

Keep in mind:

  • Snow insulates ice, hampering solid ice formation, and makes it difficult to check thickness. Snow also hides the blemishes, such as cracked, weak and open water areas.
  • Avoid cracks, pressure ridges, slushy or darker areas that signal thinner ice. The same goes for ice that forms around partially submerged trees, brush, embankments or other structures.
  • Ice thickness is not consistent and can vary significantly even in a small area. Ice shouldn’t be judged by appearance alone. Anglers should drill test holes as they make their way out on the lake, and an ice chisel should be used to check ice thickness while moving around.
  • Daily temperature changes cause ice to expand and contract, affecting its strength.
  • The following minimums are recommended for travel on clear-blue lake ice formed under ideal conditions. However, early in the winter it’s a good idea to double these figures to be safe: 4 inches for a group walking single file; 6 inches for a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle; 8-12 inches for an automobile; and 12-15 inches for a pickup/truck.

 

These tips could help save a life:

 

  • Wear a personal flotation device and carry a cell phone.
  • Carry ice picks or a set of screwdrivers to pull yourself back on the ice if you fall through.
  • If someone breaks through the ice, call 911 immediately. Rescue attempts should employ a long pole, board, rope, blanket or snowmobile suit. If that’s not possible, throw the victim a life jacket, empty water jug or other buoyant object. Go to the victim as a last resort, but do this by forming a human chain where rescuers lie on the ice with each person holding the feet of the person in front.
  • To treat hypothermia, replace wet clothing with dry clothing and immediately transport victim to a hospital.

 

This information is provided by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in collaboration with Safe Kids Grand Forks.  For more information, contact Safe Kids Grand Forks at safekids@altru.org Altru Health System is proud to serve as the lead agency for Safe Kids Grand Forks.

 

 

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Halloween: SAFE Not Scary!!

Filed Under: Childhood safety, Family, Fire, Injury, Kids, Parents, Pedestrian Safety, Safety, Safety, Uncategorized, Unintentional Injury, Walking by safekids — Leave a comment
October 29, 2012

Halloween is just around the corner.  We offer these safety tips, provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Safe Kids USA to help keep kids safe on Halloween.

Flame Resistant Costumes:  When purchasing a costume, masks, beards, and wigs, look for the label “Flame Resistant”.  Although this label does not mean these items won’t catch fire, it does indicate the items will resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from the ignition source. To minimize the risk of contact with candles or other sources of ignition, avoid costumes made with flimsy materials and outfits with big, baggy sleeves or billowing skirts. Instead of candles in pumpkins, use flameless ones that are operated with a batter.  Glow sticks also work well and come in a variety of colors to give you pumpkins a “coo effect”. 

Costume Designs:  Purchase or make costumes that are light and bright enough to be clearly visible to motorists. For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights. Bags or sacks should also be light colored or decorated with reflective tape. Reflective tape is usually available in hardware, bicycle, and sporting goods stores.  (You can also contact us at safekids@altru.org and we will provide free retro-reflective trick-or-treat bags)

-           To easily see and be seen, children should also carry flashlights. 

-           Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping and falling. 

-          Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes.  Mother’ s high heels are not a good idea for   safe walking. 

-          Hats and scarfs should be tied securely to prevent them from slipping over children’s eyes. 

-          Apply a face paint rather than have a child wear a loose-fitting mask that might restrict breathing or obscure vision. If a mask is used, however, make sure it fits securely and has eyeholes large enough to allow full vision. 

-          Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be of soft and flexible material. 

 

Pedestrian Safety:  Young children should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child. All children should WALK, not run from house to house and use the sidewalk if available, rather than walk in the street. Children should be cautioned against running out from between parked cars, or across lawns and yards where ornaments, furniture, or clotheslines present dangers.   Remember to cross the street at corners where motorists are more likely to be watching for kids.

Choosing Safe Houses:  Children should go only to homes where the residents are known and have outside lights on as a sign of welcome.

-          Children should not enter homes or apartments unless they are accompanied by an adult. 

-          People expecting trick-or-treaters should remove anything that could be an obstacle from lawns, steps and porches. Candlelit jack-o’-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flame. Indoor jack-o’-lanterns should be kept away from curtains, decorations, and other furnishings that could be ignited.

Motorists:  Remember that Halloween brings kids out on the streets and they are often eager to get from house to house and not watching for cars.  Motorists should slow down and be extra vigilant for kids on the streets.  Come to a full stop, behind crosswalks and make eye contact with the kids so they know they are seen and it is safe to cross.  Adhere to parking rules and keep crosswalks and street corners safe places for kids to walk and cross.  If there is inclement weather, such as rain, ice or snow, use extra caution to avoid slipping and sliding.  Avoid distractions while driving such as texting, talking on your cell phone or other things that take your mind off the road.

Other Options:  Consider hosting a Halloween party or going to an indoor venue for trick-or-treating rather than being out on the streets.  This is also a great option to avoid the cold weather and show off your costumes in full fashion!!

Halloween can be a fun time for kids but we hope that those out trick-or-treating and all on the streets and roadways will help to keep it safe as well.  Kids are two times more likely to be involved in a pedestrian incident than any other day of the year.  Let’s make this Halloween a FUN and SAFE one. 

Altru Health System is proud to serve as the lead agency for Safe Kids Grand Forks.  For more Halloween safety tips, visit www.safekidsgf.com  or “Like” us on Facebook at Safe Kids Grand Forks.

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Safe Kids Offers Car Seat Tips For Child Passenger Safety Week (September 16-22, 2012)

Filed Under: Car Seat, Childhood safety, Family, Injury, Kids, Parents, Safety, Safety, Unintentional Injury by safekids — Leave a comment
September 11, 2012

Parents are making five critical, but fixable, mistakes when using car seats, according to new data announced today by Safe Kids Worldwide and the General Motors Foundation. With so many safety features now available in both cars and car seats, parents are urged to make sure their kids are getting every advantage by taking the time to do a 15-minute at-home annual checkup.

 

Seventy-three percent of car seats are not being used correctly. To find out why, Safe Kids analyzed data from more than 100,000 car seat inspections done by certified technicians conducted through its Buckle Up Program, a national initiative established in 1997 by Safe Kids and supported by General Motors and the General Motors Foundation to keep children and families safe in and around cars. Some findings proved that progress is being made, including that 98 percent of children arrived at car seat inspections in the back seat and 98 percent of the children were using some type of restraint.

 

Yet, the data revealed that parents and caregivers still have some work to do to ensure their children are restrained properly. Five safety steps every parent should take include keeping their children in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible, ideally until age two, selecting the correct seat for the weight, height or age of the child, tightening the harness enough and knowing when to let kids ride in the front seat.

 

“Correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent,” said Carma Hanson, Safe Kids Grand Forks Coordinator. “Engineers are working hard to ensure cars and car seats are designed to keep kids as safe as possible. But it’s up to every parent to take full advantage of these innovations by making sure car seats are used and installed correctly. Safe Kids and the General Motors Foundation are teaming up to show them how.”

 

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death to children ages 1 to 13. In a nationwide effort to educate parents about the importance of car seat safety during Child Passenger Safety Week (September 16-22), Safe Kids and the General Motors Foundation are asking every parent to take 15 minutes for an at-home car seat checkup using the Safe Kids downloadable checklist.

 

Car Seat Checkup Checklist

 

ð       Right Seat. This is an easy one. Check the label on your car seat to make sure it’s appropriate for your child’s age, weight and height. Like milk, your car seat has an expiration date. Just double check the label on your car seat to make sure it is still safe. 

 

ð       Right Place. Kids are VIPs, just ask them. We know all VIPs ride in the back seat, so keep all children in the back seat until they are 13. 

 

ð       Right Direction. You want to keep your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, usually until around age 2. When he or she outgrows the seat, move your child to a forward-facing car seat. Make sure to attach the top tether after you tighten and lock the seat belt or lower anchors. Continue to use a booster seat until your child properly fits in the seat belt, usually when they are between the ages of 8 and 12.

 

ð       Inch Test. Once your car seat is installed, give it a good shake at the base. Can you move it more than an inch side to side or front to back? A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.

 

ð       Pinch Test. Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots (check car seat manual). Now, with the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child’s shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you’re good to go.   

 

The checklist takes only 15-minutes to complete and provides important tips that will help parents ensure their car seat is used and installed properly.

 

“There is nothing more important than the safety of our children, and we’re encouraged by the progress that is being made,” said Mike Robinson, Vice President, Sustainability and Global Regulatory Affairs for General Motors. “To ensure that our children – our most precious cargo – are safe in cars, we recommend parents take 15 minutes to check their child’s car seat annually. Our children visit the doctor every year for an annual checkup, we need to give their car seats an annual checkup, too. A quick home checkup could save a life.”

 

For parents who want additional assistance, Safe Kids will host more than 500 car seat inspection events across the country throughout September. To find a check-up event in the Safe Kids Grand Forks service area of northeast North Dakota or northwest Minnesota, visit www.safekidsgf.com.   

 

Parents can bring their car, car seat and child to an event in their area. Certified child passenger safety technicians will be available to provide one-on-one “hands-on” help with installation. In addition, Safe Kids Buckle Up events will continue throughout the year. Parents and caregivers can locate an event in their community by visiting the Safe Kids website at safekids.org.

 

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Summer Yard Safety

Filed Under: Childhood safety, Family, Injury, Kids, Parents, Safety, Safety, Uncategorized, Unintentional Injury by safekids — 1 Comment
August 14, 2012

It’s that time of year where we still have green lawns and yet the leaves begin to fall.  Mowing continues and bagging up the leaves seems like an never ending task.  Each summer, 30 million power lawn mowers are in use in the United States. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) data shows that each year about 400,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries from lawn tools. A few simple precautions may help you enjoy your time spent outdoors, and help you get your work completed more efficiently.

 

In General:

-  Before mowing, trimming or edging, read the owner’s manual, and pay particular attention to safety recommendations.

-  Start the mower on level ground where you have firm footing. Mow parallel to a slope. Never pull the mower toward you always push it.

-  Do not tamper with built-in safety devices; they are there for good reason.

-  Clear the lawn of sticks, stones, toys, and anything else that might be thrown by the mower, trimmer or edger.

-  Be sure the yard is clear of children and pets. Always be aware of where others might be in the yard. A moment’s distraction could mean tragedy.

 

-  When using equipment, wear sturdy shoes with rough soles. Never go barefoot or wear sandals.

-  Keep hands and feet away from the mower housing and never unclog the mower when it’s running.

-  Keep children away from equipment unless you’re sure they’re trained in how to use it and know the associated dangers.

-  Don’t mow, trim or edge in “blind spots”. There may be hidden objects under bushes, hedges or in trees.

 

-  Be aware of the lawn surface; watch out for holes and tree roots.

-  Never leave equipment running or leave tools where others might stumble over them.

For Gasoline Mowers:

-  Fill your gas tank before you start, while the engine is still cold. Wipe up all spills. And never smoke near gasoline.

-  Always turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug wire before unclogging the machine or adjusting it. Gasoline mowers can start even when they’re turned off if the blade is rotated.

Hedge Trimmers / Weed Trimmers / Lawn Edgers:

-  Wear safety eye protection. It’s also a good idea to wear long pants when doing lawn work to protect from abrasions.

-  Never use electric-hedge trimmers over your head. If trimmers become lodged on something, disconnect the power source before attempting to dislodge it.

-  Remember weed trimmers are intended for groundwork only, not for overhead work in trees or bushes where the hazard of flying debris is a real possibility.

-  When using a weed trimmer, disconnect power before advancing the line if it is a manual-feed trimmer.

For more information on seasonal safety, contact Safe Kids Grand Forks at Altru Health System.  Altru Health System is proud to serve as the lead agency for Safe Kids Grand Forks.

 

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The Dangers of Rummage Sale Car Seats

Filed Under: Car Seat, Childhood safety, Family, Injury, Kids, Parents, Safety, Safety, Unintentional Injury by safekids — Leave a comment
July 24, 2012

Bargain hunting at rummage sales can be fun and save you money. But dangers may lurk in some of the items you find. One example is car seats. Car seats can be expensive which makes it very tempting to buy one at a rummage sale for your child or grandchild. But safety experts recommend not buying used car seats for your child. Why?

 

Car seats expire!

Car seats are often exposed to sunlight and extreme temperatures which weaken the plastic. Most manufacturers stamp an expiration date on the back of the car seat. The car seat you buy at a rummage sale may be too old to use safely.  Most car seats cannot be used longer than six years but some of them expire sooner than that so check the seat for specific age limitations.

 

Is the car seat recalled?

Recalls are common for car seats. If the car seat is recalled, only the original owner would be notified if they happened to send in the registration card; only 1 out of 10 registration cards is sent in. The used car seat that you are thinking about buying may be recalled. To check for recalls or to register your seat, visit www.nhtsa.gov.

 

Has the car seat been involved in a crash?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives guidelines on when a car seat should be replaced after a crash depending on the severity of the crash. Do you totally trust the person selling you the car seat to tell you the truth when you ask these questions?

 

Is anything missing?

4 out of 5 car seats are used incorrectly. The #1 reason car seats are not used correctly is because parents or caregivers do not read the instruction manual that comes with the car seat. If the manual is missing, chances are you would not be able to safely use the car seat.

 

Car seats protect children when they are involved in a traffic crash. A child’s life may depend on your decision to save a little money. Many communities have programs to help those who cannot afford a car seat for their child. Be smart—don’t purchase a used car seat from someone you don’t know or trust.  For assistance with your car seat, new or used, visit www.safekidsgf.com or altru.org to find a car seat check-up event near you. 

 

For more information, contact Safe Kids Grand Forks at 701-780-1489 or visit our web site.  Altru Health System is proud to serve as the lead agency for Safe Kids Grand Forks.

 

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Campfire Safety

Filed Under: Campfire, Cooking, Family, Fire, Kids, Parents, Safety, Unintentional Injury by safekids — 1 Comment
July 16, 2012

Summers and camping just go together.  Campfires at the lake or on the deck are equally inviting on a summer night or a cool fall evening.  Safe Kids Grand Forks reminds readers of these tips to make and keep a safe campfire or bon fire environment. 

Check the weather first!!

• Wind + Fire = trouble

 

Burn in a clear area:

• Make sure there are no branches or wires overhead.

 • Contain fire so it won’t scatter once burning.

Never use gas to start fires!!

• Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors can explode.

• There are many fire starting devices on the market that can be purchased and used to ignite a fire.  Safe Kids Grand Forks also has FREE fire starting kits and recipes.  To obtain one, contact us at safekids@altru.org 

 

Tips to safety starting a camp fire:

• Most camp grounds and parks have designated fire pits. Use them when possible. If there is no designated fire area, dig a small pit and circle it with rocks.

 • Clear a five-foot area around the pit or fire ring.

 • NEVER use an accelerant such as gasoline or charcoal fluid to start a fire.

 • Keep a bucket of water and shovel nearby. Stack extra wood upwind and away from the fire.

 • After lighting a fire, make sure matches are cool before discarding.

 • Never leave a campfire unattended, not even for a minute.

 • Carefully monitor young children around a fire to assure they don’t trip and fall or catch clothing on fire.

 

More important than building a good camp fire is to make sure you completely put it out!

• Extinguish your campfire at least 1/2 hour before you plan to leave or go to bed.

 • If you are extinguishing a burning fire rather than hot ash and coals, first use a stick to stir the wood and ash.  This is to extinguish the flames as much as you can.

 • Sprinkle water over the coals. Continue to sprinkle water and stir until no more steam rises and you hear no hissing steam.

 • Let the fire area sit for at least 10 minutes to assure it is out before leaving.

 • Feel the area for hot spots – hold the back of your hand close to the ash, but not in it. Feel around for heat spots.

 • Scatter unused wood back into the surrounding woods or leave it away from the site.

These tips are provided by Safe Kids Grand Forks.  Altru Health System is proud to serve as the lead agency for Safe Kids Grand Forks.  For more information on childhood injury prevention topics, visit us at www.safekidsgf.com or e-mail safekids@altru.org

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