4 Feb 2003
Shriners to Distribute Burn Prevention Tips to All DISD Third Graders
DALLAS–Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Mike Moses and Shriners from the Garland Hella Temple held a news conference Tuesday in recognition of Burn Awareness Week, and to showcase burn prevention tip cards that will be distributed to all DISD third-grade students.
Moses was joined by Hella Temple Potentate O. E. McGuffey, this year's Burn Awareness chairman Lonnie Welch and other representatives from the Shriners organization. Representatives from Dallas Fire Rescue and Parkland Hospital Burn Unit also attended to underscore the importance of burn prevention education, and students from Eduardo Mata Elementary School demonstrated burn safety techniques.
Burn Awareness Week is Feb. 2-8, 2003. The theme for this year's observance is Burn Proofing Your Home. Shriners use the annual week-long observance to urge citizens to take precautions against the possibility of children receiving burns in the home. They have distributed thousands of yellow burn tip cards designed to be kept on refrigerator doors throughout the metroplex.
The cards feature prevention information and a place for the phone number for the fire department. The Shriners encourage parents to discuss burn prevention tips with their children and to hang the cards on the front of their refrigerators so they are constantly reminded of the tips in case of an emergency.
"We join the Shriners in strongly encouraging all citizens to be mindful of dangerous situations that could lead to burn injuries, and we applaud the Shriners for their efforts to keep children safe," said Moses.
The fraternal organization operates 22 Shriners Hospitals for children across North America. All patient care and services are provided free of charge to youngsters up to and including the age of 18.
During Burn Awareness Week, the group highlights ways to prevent burn injuries. To burn proof your home, the Shriners recommend that home owners:
• Check smoke detector batteries regularly and replace when needed;
• Keep electric cords out of the reach of children;
• Establish a "safety zone" in front of stoves/ranges where children are NOT permitted;
• Set water heater thermostats at a maximum of 180º F.
• Use caution when microwaving liquids, and supervise children around any source of hot water;
• Have a home escape plan and teach children fire safety, including how to stop, drop and roll